- Pai Reggae Festival 23-25 January 09
- Freak Folk @ Club Culture 26.12.08 with Gene Kasidit, DJ Dragon, Chris Menist
- Xmas Rehab @ Bed 25.12.08
- New Photo Galleries Online from Zoukout 2008 and Haute Xmas Party at Koi
- Fitness First or California Wow? The Big Debate
- Madagascar 2 Movie Opening on 24th December (Click for Trailer)
- Color Flash Party @ Park Bridge 30.01.09
- Isao Sushi Bar
- Park Bridge Party Dates Update for January (Thursdays)
- Alex Kid @ Park Bridge 17.01.09
- Ed Banger Returns to 808 Saturday 27.12.08
- Narz Club Bangkok Grand Opening 18.-19.12.08
- Modern Dog XMas Concert @ WineBridge (Parking Lot) 24.12.08
- ZoukOut 2008 Review
- NYE 09 @ Club 808 With Krafty Kuts, Dynamite MC and DJ T
- More Recent Articles
Pai Reggae Festival 23-25 January 09
Combat Global Warming at the Pai Reggae Festival, 23rd to 25th January 2009.
Freak Folk @ Club Culture 26.12.08 with Gene Kasidit, DJ Dragon, Chris Menist
Xmas Rehab @ Bed 25.12.08
New Photo Galleries Online from Zoukout 2008 and Haute Xmas Party at Koi
Fitness First or California Wow? The Big Debate
In a billion baht industry, health clubs in Thailand are constantly facing off to attract new members. Most affluent gym-goers in Bangkok can be divided into members of either UK-based Fitness First and California Wow from the US. Before we ask fitness freaks their thoughts on which gym outdoes the other, let’s start with a little history lesson…
Fitness First
Fitness First was founded in 1992, with the first branch opening in Bournemouth, England in February the following year. Fourteen years later, 500 Fitness First gyms can be found in 17 countries in Europe, Australia and the Asia-Pacific with more than 1.2 million members. Bangkok boasts 14 Fitness First outlets, while FF managing director Simon Flint said the company also plans to expand to Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Pattaya and possibly Phuket.
California Wow
California Fitness (CFC) came to Thailand in 2001 to directly challenge Fitness First. Eric Levine, california Wow CEO, has invested heavily into setting up nine branches in Bangkok and Chiang Mai with each outlet costing up to 200 million baht. California Wow has become known for its assertive marketing campaigns with loud sales offices on the ground floor of every branch, of which the buildings are also plastered with enlarged posters of oiled bodies. The other main shareholder in CFC is Major Cineplex, Thailand’s largest cinema company, which owns 49% of the gym chain.
Both Fitness First and California Wow offer “special deals,” which sales assistants usually press you to buy that very day as the “promotion” will end the following day. However, while Fitness First members get an all-inclusive package, California Wow members have to pay extra for yoga and pilates classes and a padlock for locker doors. Though, some argue that yoga classes offered at California Wow are more authentic, with the gym flying in yoga teachers from India.
Joining Fitness First generally costs 20 percent more than California Wow membership, with monthly subscription fees ranging between 1,000 THB to 2,500 THB. Some California Wow promotions offer lifetime membership starting at 20,000 THB. However, California Wow’s hard sell tactics can actually put off passers-by and members themselves.
“…they are hustling me almost every time I’m in the gym to ‘upgrade’ my membership. They even try selling to me in the middle of my workouts,” wrote in one disgruntled member to a local newspaper.
And according to its members, the US-based gym’s “industrial” approach to marketing is very much a recurring theme throughout the gym.
“There are more people than machines,” wrote the same unhappy patron.
“They [Fitness First and California Fitness] are quite similar in classes, equipment, etc., but I found Fitness First had a nicer atmosphere….definitely friendlier,” said one former Fitness First member who was lured by a more cost effective deal at California Wow. “It felt more like my gym at Fitness First, at California Wow I feel like I’m just a body paying the bill.”
Another member found the hands-off approach sarcastically refreshing: “I like being left alone and completely ignored by the unhelpful staff because I hate being told what to do.”
A recent experiment carried out by the Bangkok Post comparing the two gyms found racial discrimination when asking for membership quotes. A Thai and a foreigner were recruited to pose separately as prospective members looking for a deal at Fitness First and California Wow. At Fitness First, both parties were treated fairly and came away happy with their service. At California Wow, however, the Thai client received a better deal than the farang customer.
Perhaps that’s why California Wow enjoys a majority Thai clientele, whereas Fitness First members are more international. However, Fitness First’s foreign patrons pose yet another conundrum:
“Since California Wow does not have that many farang customers and since the locker room does not have ample walking space, one is mostly spared one of Western civilization highlights: the parading in the nude of all kinds of misshaped elderly males. At Fitness First this phenomenon can be viewed daily, clearly demonstrating the cultural insensitivities of most foreign visitors, that is, not taking into consideration the Thais’ tendency for modesty…” (source: http://www.thaiwebsites.com/exercise.asp)
However, for the some the prospect of nudity is one of the motivational factors for joining a particular gym, especially California Wow.
When asked why he joined California Wow on Silom road, one young, buffed DJ Station frequenter honestly replied: “There are hot guys there.”
However, the heterosexual outlook is perhaps a little more bleak: “For a year I thought I liked the potential prospect of meeting hot babes there but I never did – not even once!” fumed one California Wow patron.
“As a single farang, I wouldn’t say that there’s any kind of chemistry at Fitness First at the branches that I have been to in the city centre, anyway,” said one member. “It’s quite a sterile environment…and the music is inoffensively androgenous.”
Meanwhile, some would argue that the “obnoxious”-ly loud music at California Fitness with their resident afternoon DJ and signature techno beats could repel clients. But judging from ability to poach members from other gyms, it would appear that their enticing promotional deals far outweigh any threat of inner ear damage.
While they could both count as your friends, it’s clear Fitness First and California Wow members are very different. Fitness First is like your straight corporate buddy with money to burn and little time for nonsense, while California Wow is like your colourfully gay hairdresser who likes house music and gossiping.
Madagascar 2 Movie Opening on 24th December (Click for Trailer)
In the highly-anticipated sequel to “Madagascar,” Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, King Julien, Maurice and the penguins and the chimps find themselves marooned on the distant shores of Madagascar. In the face of these obstacles, the New Yorkers have hatched a plan so crazy it might just work. With Military precision, the penguins have repaired an old crashed plane-sort of. Once aloft this unlikely crew stays airborne just long enough to make it to the wildest place of all-the vast plains of Africa, where the members of out zoo-raised crew encounter species of their own kind for the very first time. Africa seems like a great place..but is it better than their Central Park home?
via movieseer.com
Color Flash Party @ Park Bridge 30.01.09Color Flash Party with Bradley Kaos (UK), DJ Steek (FR) and Bee Futon playing Electro, Indie and New Disco. 30th January 09 at Park Bridge.
Isao Sushi BarThe story behind Isao Japanese restaurant (150m from corner of Suk 31) is not a typical one – but then again, that’s appropriate for a sushi bar as unique as Isao. In fact, Isao is not just a story (one that begins half a decade ago), but it’s also a man – the sushi chef who opened and runs the famous Green Tea sushi bar in Chicago’s trendy Lincoln Park. Five years ago it was here that three Thai nationals, studying at respective universities in the Chicago area, found themselves working under the tutelage of this visionary chef. Over the months the three became friends and made a plan to return to Bangkok and open a restaurant that incorporated what they learned under Isao. “We learned a great deal from him, and so we have named our restaurant here in Bangkok after Isao, “ said co-director K Bua in impeccable English. “Also, 80% of our menu is the same as Green Tea,” chimed in other co-owner K. Buu. “It lets people who may have known the restaurant in Chicago know it’s similar idea here.” What’s more, Isao goes beyond its transcendent food: the general attitude is a welcome departure from the austere and occasionally pretentious approach of many high-end sushi restaurants. While the rows of bamboo adorning the walls are evocative of traditional Japanese, the atmosphere is relaxed – a lounge-y version of Daft Punk’s “One More Time” played on the house stereo, and no one forced us to take our shoes off. Bua clarified how this fits in with the entire aesthetic, by summing up the entire Isao experience for us: “Our dream is to give you a delicious meal and a good time. We want people hanging out, laughing, you know?”
Park Bridge Party Dates Update for January (Thursdays)
Alex Kid @ Park Bridge 17.01.09Don’t miss Alex Kid from France. Last time in Bangkok he rocked Bed Supperclub, this time around expect a great night at Park Bridge. Free before midnight, 300 Baht afterwards.
Ed Banger Returns to 808 Saturday 27.12.08Mr. Flash makes his Bangkok debut!!! ED BANGER RECS @ 808 – PART II – with MR FLASH After the huge success of our first Ed Banger Recs party @ 808 last August; here is the follow up you have all been asking for. This time we are bringing you MR. FLASH. Alongside Justice & Sebastien, Flash is one of the most prolific artists from the Ed Banger crew; he’s also regarded by many as the one who started it all s he is the first ever artist signed to Ed Banger! 600B with 1 drink // 4 persons and 1 bottle of Smirnoff 3000 THB
Narz Club Bangkok Grand Opening 18.-19.12.0818th and 19th December will see the grand opening weekend of Narz Club Bangkok. As the name suggests already, it is locaed where Narcissus used to be on Sukhumvit Soi 23. They even got a website up and running already which you can find here: Information is scarce so far but it seems that Narz will be divided into 2 sections, called “Narz Ripper” and “Narz Zealot” . Narz Club will open on 18th December with the first Prototype Party. The following acts have been invited: Thursday, 18th December will feature the Prototype Concert with FLURE and BEN CHALATIT in the Narz Ripper Live Zone. 19:00-21:00 is Free Bar. Friday, 19th December features DJ Leo. Flucking Hero. Toy in the Narz Zealot area (Hip Hop Zone). Free Bar again from 19:00 until 21:00. We are seeing forward to how Narz has been changed. A teaser picture you can see below from the main bar. Please post any reports if you have any more info or after you went to the Narz opening parties.
Modern Dog XMas Concert @ WineBridge (Parking Lot) 24.12.08WineBridge is inviting you to Christmas Concert on 24th December 2008 (X’mas Eve) Featuring ModernDog – Live in the parking lot!!! Snow will Fall, Dog will Rock, and We all will Jingle All the Way at WineBridge. Ticket 700 baht/per person Terms and Condition: 1 ticket will get you 3 drinks: 1st drink: JW Soda Mix or Smirnoff Ice or Baileys, 2nd-3rd: any drinks or mixers of your choice or…. Combine 3 tickets to redeem 1 bottle of JW Gold Reserve For Reservation, please call 02-251-2187
ZoukOut 2008 Review
ZoukOut isn’t just another party – it’s the annual mother of all parties in South East Asia, not only because of its massive line-ups or the huge crowd it attracts. It’s on the beach, crazy, wild and yet impressively organized – year after year. This years ZoukOut 2008 was our 4th one on a row so we can compare – it was a bit different than the previous ones and very enjoyable! For the ones who hear “ZoukOut” the first time – it’s the outdoor party of the Zouk Club in Singapore. In the last years it took place on Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island. This year it had three stages: the mighty Main Arena (electronic music), the Velvet Underground Arena (bands and house) and the Mambo Jambo Arena (Mainstream/Hip Hop). This setup alone tells us where ZoukOut is going. Being quite electronic/house orientated in its origin it moves more into different music styles – it diversified over time to please different crowds, it let’s people choose. The main headliners were Sasha, Above and Beyond, Dirty South and Dimitri from Paris. Also on the decks were Henrik Schwarz (live), Aldrin, DJ Pippi, Vicarious Bliss (Ed Banger) as well as a broad selection of bands and local Singapore DJ’s like Tony Tay or DJB.
The electronic dance music was a bit on the trance side, a music direction which is not so common in most clubs in Bangkok or Thailand but trance is pretty popular in Singapore, Malaysia and in the Philippines. I would personally have wished for more progressive/electro house or techno – Henrik Schwarz played some minimal, Dirty South had some pretty decent tunes (and some pretty mainstream ones) and also from the Velvet Underground Arena some deep grooves were heard. All in all Sven Väth still rocked them all in 2005. Music is way not everything – the crowd was once again just amazing! The official count is 26.000 party people were at ZoukOut 2008 which is an all time record, outnumbering last years all time record by 3.000 extra partymaniacs. When it comes to atmosphere ZoukOut is definately standing out. It’s not a meyham like many of the european festivals but indeed very well organized, clean and easy going – it’s Singapore, right?
No matter of you are a regular or a first-timer, I rate ZoukOut as a must-go party and already reserve the second weekend 2009 for another trip to Singapore. ZoukOut may happen at another beach (romours have been going round for several years now…) but that might be a nice change? Looking out we’ll have our own Dance Festival “B-Live Culture One” end January 2009 in Bangkok. After a rocket first Culture One this year which still has people talking about I’m very much looking forward to the 2009 edition – stay tuned!
NYE 09 @ Club 808 With Krafty Kuts, Dynamite MC and DJ TGET READY FOR A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE INTO 2009!! THROUGH THE REALMS OF BREAKS and ELECTRO // HOUSE and TECHNO // DRUM n BASS NYE 08-09 @ 808 WITH KRAFTY KUTS (WORLDS #1 BREAKS DJ) and DYNAMITE MC (FRONT MAN FOR RONI SIZE and REPRAZENT – ONE OF THE BEST MC’S IN THE GAME!) DJ T (ALONGSIDE BOOKA SHADE and M.A.N.D.Y, DJ T IS PART OF BERLIN’S HUGELY POPULAR GET PHYSICAL CREW) WEDS 31ST DECEMBER 2008 KRAFTY KUTS and DYNAMITE MC It’s been a massive year for these guys… having kicked off 2008 playing to hundreds of thousands of people as part of Australia’s ‘Big Day Out’ tour (alongside Rage Against The Machine and Bjork!), they went on to create and release some amazing music and tour all four corners of the world performing it! Their show is nothing short of pure party madness… combining the best elements of Electro and Breakbeat to devastating dancefloor effect, they are going to tear the roof off 808 this NYE!!! KRAFTY KUTS is widely regarded as the world’s #1 Breaks DJ… having won the industry (Breakspoll) award for ‘Best DJ’ for so many years in a row, Krafty had to ask not to be included so that others may have a chance! Forget about the awards and come see for yourself! DYNAMITE MC is probably best known as the front man for ‘Reprazent’ – Roni Size’s award winning Drum and Bass act. He’s quite possibly the UK’s most prolific MC, versatile enough to work with any given genre – D&B, Breaks, Electro, Hip Hop, Dynamite has it all! He also presents a weekly show on London’s legendary radio station, Kiss 100 FM and you may even know his voice from top video game ‘Need For Speed: Carbon’! DJ T, aka Tomas Koch, is an important part of Berlin’s absolutely massive GET PHYSICAL crew. Alongside BOOKA SHADE and M.A.N.D.Y, DJ T has created one of the most important, respected and exciting record labels in the history of modern electronic music. If House and Techno is your thing, then it really doesn’t get much better than DJ T… FINISHING OFF THIS MASSIVE NIGHT, WE HAVE SOME DRUM and BASS FROM OUTSTANDING LOCAL TALENTS, DJ T BASE and EMCEE EMJAY ENTRY IS 1000THB w/1 drink… special group package details coming soon.
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That idea is innovative but affordable sushi, backed up by a full kitchen producing cooked delicacies as well – all provided in a laid-back, friendly setting. Begin your meal with an Oyster Shooter – a fresh raw Japanese oyster served in a Champagne glass surrounded by spices and sake (220b, without sake 150). This concoction – invented in the back of Green Tea’s kitchen on cold Chicago nights – slides down the throat with grace: just enough spices to bring out the smooth flavor of the shellfish. I could have downed 8 of these – but then the next sentences would look like s%f^dl*$k;afd instead of the ostensibly coherent prose you are reading now. Continue your meal with the “Rosy Salmon” (250b) a thinly sliced piece of fresh salmon cut in the shape of a rose (so it’s not just a clever name). This will cleanse the palate enough to enjoy another of Isao’s signature dishes: the Volcano (220b) – a cooked scallop served in its shell, slathered in a creamy, spicy, lovely, juicy sauce that we just couldn’t quite describe. When we pressed the Isao team for more details, Buu demurred, calling it simply “magical.” We agreed, and so agreed to leave it a mystery.
Moving to the main courses, the Chicago Spicy Crazy (250b) was a bold testament to Isao’s commitment to staggering sensory assaults: This is one of the rare foods that tasted different, but equally delicious, each time a piece was enjoyed – a careful blend of three separate fish (tuna, salmon, and white fish) and three different vegetables tasted equally good with or without wasabi. We followed Crazy with “Crunchy” – spicy salmon wrapped in deep fried tempura batter (270b) – a unique blend true to its name. We moved on to the “Winter” – a cooked dish complete with ebi, crab, spinach, kaiware, avocado, carrot and assorted spices, all wrapped in a cucumber sheet served with Miso sauce (220b). This was not only delicious, it was also a work of art. If this is not enough to whet your appetite, the Isao team informed us the menu is still changing – a sushi sandwich has recently been added (270b), and lunch specials have been developed – so one never knows what new culinary treats lie in store. Further, all of the main sushi dishes are enormous – therefore well worth the price.
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