AsiaTravel

Cuda Pack

2007-07-21T23:29:00.001+08:00

Cuda Pack, originally uploaded by AP6.

hey girl

2007-02-14T18:42:00.001+08:00

hey girl
Originally uploaded by b8b8ng.

catching the train

2006-08-01T21:39:00.000+08:00

catching the train
Originally uploaded by b8b8ng.

swimming against the sign

2006-08-01T21:38:00.001+08:00

swimming against the sign
Originally uploaded by b8b8ng.

the fall

2006-08-01T21:38:00.000+08:00

the fall
Originally uploaded by b8b8ng.

turtle soup dream

2006-08-01T21:36:00.000+08:00

turtle soup dream
Originally uploaded by b8b8ng.

give me my part and then let me alone to do it

2006-06-13T11:00:00.000+08:00

Visit www.cbiz.cn for the latest content

"What's he really doing?"

12-Jun-2006

By John D. Van Fleet

Shanghai - An ordinary night in Shanghai, watching an old DVD, Red Dragon. The first scene features an orchestral performance (and a flautist who appears for the only time in the film, because the part becomes parts -- served as amuse bouche to an unsuspecting group of diners), and my Shanghainese friend asked me this question about the conductor.

"He's the conductor - he leads the orchestra." As I answered, I wondered whether this otherwise worldly young lady had missed Western 'classical' music during her exposure to things non-Chinese, or whether I had misunderstood the question.

The latter. "I know that - I mean, why is he so important? Don't the players already have their parts in front of them?"

"They do, but the interaction between the conductor and the players is like yeast and dough - the combination yields something quite beyond the sum of the elements themselves."

"How much difference can it make - the players practice their parts, right? Isn't their job to play the notes accurately, so that each persons' part contributes to the whole sound?"

"The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. If the players were merely to appear on the stage and play their notes, even if they had a flashing light or similar to maintain the tempo, the result would be vastly different. The conductor influences not only tempo, pitch and relative volume, but the nuance of each player's or section's sound. A good conductor also weaves the various players and sections together. A famous conductor once said the difference between a mediocre orchestra and a great one is the difference between light and lightening, and the difference is primarily the conductor."

As I was talking, I realized how the discussion related to my work. I lead a service-sector organization (education) here, and I have found that a peculiarly difficult part of my job getting our staff, particularly the new ones, to stop working as if their jobs are specified tasks, walled off from the rest of the operation, and to start working as integral members of an interactive, communicative 'orchestra' of people aimed at creating an excellent environment for our students. My friend's question reminded me exactly of the occasional attitude of some of our staff: "give me my part and then let me alone to do it."

I can understand why people here might work in such a way:

- For centuries, the majority of people here were strongly motivated not to communicate regarding their work. Communication equaled potential for more work, or more trouble.

- And for decades, very few had the ability to extract marginal gain by providing marginally better service. Sellers could not compete, because the state controlled price and supply. Moreover, in a desperately poor economy, service quality was a luxury the system couldn't afford.

- Plus, many people I meet have never experienced what it's like to be a part of an organization that is well integrated in an effective way, and therefore achieves more than the sum of the parts. Rather, their experience is often that integration and communication degrades performance, because in a system with no incentives, nor training in how collaboration can work, such collaboration results in empty conversation or worse: the more powerful arbitrarily delegate tasks to the less so.

Moreover, while the ranks of players eager to get into an orchestra are legion, the number of people here in China who even understand great service delivery, let alone yearn to be part of great service organizations, is not.

So a key challenge service-sector leaders face here in China is this one - how to get the parts to play together so that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts? I think I've started to find answers - they include giving the team the actual experience of great vs. poor service, and also allowing them to gain tangible benefit from changing. In our operation, we've designed an incentive system that is more detailed, and offered more frequently, than anything I've ever seen in the West, so our staff can start to feel some benefit, quickly, from being willing to change their mindsets. I also take them for training/experiential learning at great service providers in the city, such as top hotels and restaurants.

But a large component of change-driving comes only with stubbornness (on my part) and time. When our organization started operations more than two years ago, our team were skeptical of many of my strategies and plans. As we've developed into a sector leader, they've gradually become aware that working in ways that characterize great service organizations brings major incremental benefit to the overall organization, and wins high praise from our students.

And I gain an additional benefit -- watching their worldviews change, and watching them grow, is one of the most rewarding professional experiences I've ever had.

So -- following my conversation with my Shanghainese friend, I think I'll buy our staff a season pass to the orchestra.

Macau News

2006-02-18T16:22:00.000+08:00

Macau's Banco Delta Asia terminates NKorea business, calls for US response AFP via Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance Thu, 16 Feb 2006 7:07 PM PST BEIJING (AFX) - Macao's Banco Delta Asia has terminated its North Korean business and will implement a new anti-money laundering program, ...

(AFX UK Focus) 2006-02-17 10:49 GMT: FOCUS - Macau set to sustain gaming boom; hotels/infrastructure a concern Interactive Investor Fri, 17 Feb 2006 3:12 AM PST HONG KONG (AFX) - Macau's booming gaming industry will likely sustain its growth in the years ahead largely on the emerging wealth of mainland Chinese tourists, but the euphoria over business opportunities from the boom is tempered by forecasts of hotels oversupply and the massive infrastructure requirement to support the expansion.

Bally Gaming and Systems announces opening of new office in Macau ATE On-line Fri, 17 Feb 2006 2:30 AM PST Log in to remember this page. Email this Bally Gaming and Systems, a business unit of Alliance Gaming Corp., announced today that it has opened a new office in the Bank Of China Building in the heart of Macau S.A.R. to provide sales and service support for its slot machines, systems and table management business efforts throughout Asia.

Action on Macau bank may hit Sino-US ties: lawyers Reuters via Yahoo! News Thu, 16 Feb 2006 10:46 PM PST Lawyers for a Macau bank accused of helping North Korea launder money have told the U.S. Treasury action against the lender could affect U.S.-China ties at a sensitive time for talks on the North's nuclear programs.

Banco Delta Asia Has Terminated Its North Korean Business and Will Implement a New Anti-Money Laundering Program PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 16 Feb 2006 9:21 AM PST On behalf of client BANCO DELTA ASIA S.A.R.L., Heller Ehrman today issues the following statement:

Famous gather for Packer farewell CNN.com Thu, 16 Feb 2006 5:35 PM PST The rich, the famous and the merely curious are gathering in Sydney Friday for a State memorial service commemorating the life of Australia's richest man, Kerry Packer.

Rice Says U.S. Pursues N. Korean Counterfeiting Probe (Update1) Bloomberg.com Thu, 16 Feb 2006 8:52 PM PST Feb. 17 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. will pursue its probe into alleged counterfeiting of U.S. dollars by North Korea, while trying to arrange new talks on North Korea's nuclear program, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said.

North AMERICAN MARKET TO BOOST PROFIT OF AUSTRALIA'S ARISTOCRAT Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Australia & NZ Finance Thu, 16 Feb 2006 11:32 PM PST Machinery / engineering A vibrant North American gaming market is expected to underpin a big jump in annual earnings for poker machine company Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. (ASX:ALL).

Stanley Walking Trail

2005-12-29T14:48:00.000+08:00

Stanley Walk

Walk to Stanley Market via a wooded and shady trail with views over Deepwater Bay and the Golf Course. The trail continues round the valley to Repulse Bay before heading down to Stanley. At Stanley you can visit the reconstructed Murray Building and shop at Stanley Market. Walk Time - 2 hrs WALK HONG KONG is a Company which specialises in taking tourists to explore the REAL Hong Kong away from the Shopping Centres and skyscrapers. The Guides will take you by Public Transport on a variety of walks. The walks have been categorised as Urban Walks, Rural Walks and Rural Hikes. See Hong Kong the way the locals see it.

The Challenge of Learning the Chinese Language

2005-12-28T21:31:00.000+08:00

The Challenge of Learning the Chinese Language By John Davison Chinese is a language, or a group of languages, spoken by 1.3 billion people worldwide. If you believe Chinese to be one language, rather than a grouping, it is the single most commonly spoken language on the planet. It is spoken in countries like China, Taiwan Singapore, and Malaysia. If you are interested in learning Chinese, it can be intimidating and challenging. But learning Chinese can also be rewarding, and knowing it can have benefits for your career, and help to improve your travels to Asia. If you decide to learn the Chinese language, there a number of ways you can go about doing so. As a college student, you can study Mandarin Chinese and earn a degree in it. Earning a college degree in Chinese will provide you with a solid knowledge of formal, or Mandarin, Chinese. You will also be proficient in reading and writing the alphabet, which is a standard alphabet throughout the Chinese-speaking world. If you are established in your career, and find it necessary to learn Chinese for business dealings and /or business-associated travel, you can enroll in an accelerated Chinese language course online, or by purchasing audiotapes that teach quick techniques, which will help you to rapidly learn how to speak basic Mandarin Chinese. Learning to speak Chinese this way is convenient if you need to learn it before an important business trip. There are several learning centers that provide accelerated online programs in Chinese, and many lesson on tape available for purchase. If you are a student majoring of minoring in Chinese, or if you are a tourist with a desire to travel to Asia, an ideal way to learn the Chinese language is through participation in an immersion program. By doing this, you will not only learn how to speak Chinese, but you will learn about and experience Chinese culture. By studying Chinese in a city like Beijing, where the language is natively spoken, you will become part of the life and culture, and you will find learning to speak the Chinese language is much easier than you thought. Since it is a total immersion into the Chinese world, you will learn all conversational and idiomatic styles of the language. You will interact everyday with people who are native speakers of Chinese, and who can’t or won’t speak English with you. You will be taken on guided tours of the famous landmarks, as well as the everyday places. You will grow to understand and recognize the value of the ancient Chinese culture: the history, the art, the architecture, the food, and the people. You will attend courses in which you will learn the complex Chinese alphabet, how to read it, and how to write it as well. Learning the Chinese language by attending an immersion program is an ideal way to go. If you are fluent in the Chinese language, not only could it help you if are established in a career, but it could also open doors to new careers for you. For example, you could take a job as a foreign language translator, where you would be responsible for translating websites, training documents, and other important business documents, while helping to bridge the communication gap between two very different cultures. You might also consider a career as a teacher if English as a second language. You have the opportunity to relocate to a Chinese-speaking nation, and teach the English language to Chinese students. Being fluent in Chinese will definitely make your relocation less stressful. Learning how to speak, read, and write the Chinese language has many advantages. It gives you the potential to enhance you career by working and/or traveling abroad, or you would have opportunities to embark on new careers as a translator or a teacher. If you plan to travel to Asia, learning Chinese will make your journeys less stressful and more enjoyable. Taking the time to learning the Chinese language will open your eyes to a new and often misunderstood culture, and is an achievement that can be personally and professionally fulfilling. John is a director of numerous Internet companies and is a published author. Many articles have been produced on a variety of subjects with excellent content and depth. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to Language Schools Find the essential information on where and how to learn a new or second language at Chinese Language Article Source:

Asian Gambling Basics

2005-12-28T21:26:00.000+08:00

Asian Gambling Basics

By Mansi Aggarwal Gambling became popular in China in the last phase of the imperial dynasty i.e. from 1644 to 1912. Canton, Macao, Shanghai and Hong Kong became the famous for their liquor and gambling. These areas inhabited foreigners, usually Americans, who were known to be rough. Moreover, majority of these inhabitants were males. Chinese natives indulged in gambling along with the foreigners. Famous gambling games in China include Mah Jongg and Pai Gow. Pia Gow consists of a bank having one woodpile. The banking duties are entrusted to one of the players. Other players are given four tiles of the woodpile, which they have to group in pairs of two such that the player’s pair should have a greater value than the bank. If the player succeeds then he wins the bet. A lot of money can exchange hands over this game. Mah Jongg, meaning ‘sparrow’ is an ancient game which was developed primarily for the rich class of China. The game is said to have been invented by a fisherman to prevent sea sickness. It is said that the fisherman invented this game to distract the other fishermen from the surroundings, so that they do not feel sea sick in the middle of the sea. Later, a Chinese general heard of the game and engaged his soldiers in it at night to prevent them from falling asleep. The game underwent a lot of variations and every region called it with a different name. Finally, the game was standardized in early 1990s. the game consists of 136 to 144 tiles depending on the whether the players choose to play with flowers or seasons. The play resembles rummy except for the fact that the game is played with tiles. The game also uses a pair of dice and chips to keep the score. It requires four players, the aim of each being to obtain a set of tiles. The set types that are permitted are “kong”, “pung” and “chow”. A complete hand contains four sets and a pair of similar tiles. The fist one to have this combination of fourteen tiles wins. Another game is Sci Bo, meaning ‘two dice’. This game is a betting game with players betting on the total of their dice. It is played with three dice. The bets include small bets that is the total may fall; between the range of four to ten, or big bets i.e. the total may fall between eleven to seventeen. The players shake the dice in a cup and keep the cup upside down with the dice hidden in the cup. Wagers are then made on the outcome. The player guessing the total can earn hugs sums. It is rumored that skilful players can predict the total by hearing the clanking of dice in the cup. In casinos the entire game is mechanized. Bets are placed on the number marked on the table. The dice are then shaken using a vibrating platform. The results are displayed on a screen. Other famous gambling games include Keno and Pachinko. Despite the popularity of these gambling games, not all Chinese states are ready to legalize it. While Macao has legalized gambling, Shanghai carries it on illegally. In Hong Kong, only horse raising is legalized and The Hong Kong Jockey Club earns huge revenue. Mansi aggarwal writes about. asian gambling. Learn more at http://www.asiangamblinggames.com.

Hong Kong Cantonese Food

2005-12-06T22:11:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong Cantonese Food

The most common Chinese food in Hong Kong is Cantonese, from China's southern Guangdong province. Dishes consist of extremely fresh food, quickly cooked and only lightly seasoned. Popular ingredients are fruit and vegetables, fish and shellfish, though the cuisine is also known for its more unusual ingredients – things like fish maw, snake liver, dog and guinea pig – which most Westerners would baulk at eating. Cantonese restaurants also have the best selection of dim sum ('little eats'), a midday meal consisting of small flavoured buns, dumplings and pancakes, washed down with copious amounts of tea. The food is wheeled in trolleys through the restaurant: they'll come to your table and you select what you want. Most things cost the same, around HK$20–40 each, and you'll find it hard to spend more than HK$90–120 a head. Restaurants that specialize in dim sum open early in the morning, from around 7am, and serve right through lunch up until around 5pm; many regular Cantonese restaurants also serve dim sum, usually 10–11am until 3pm. It's best to go in a group so that you can order a number of items to share."

Tsui Sha Tsui

2005-12-06T22:08:00.000+08:00

Tsim Sha Tsui

The tourist heart of Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, is an easy place to find your way around. The Star Ferry Terminal, for ferries to Hong Kong Island, is right on the southwestern tip of the peninsula. East of here, along the southern shore, facing Hong Kong Island, are a number of hi-tech, modern museums and galleries built on reclaimed land, while Salisbury Road, just to the north, is dominated by the magnificently traditional Peninsula Hotel. Running south to north right through the middle of Tsim Sha Tsui, and on through the rest of Kowloon, is Hong Kong's most famous street, Nathan Road, jammed with shoppers at all hours of the day and night. The distinctive ski-slope roofline of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, which occupies the former site of the Kowloon Railway station, about 100m east of the Star Ferry Terminal, is unmissable. Inside there are concert halls, theatres and galleries, including, in an adjacent wing, the Museum of Art (daily except Thurs; HK$10, free Wed), which is definitely worth a visit. As well as calligraphy, scrolls and an intriguing selection of paintings covering the history of Hong Kong, the museum has a good Chinese antiquities section. Immediately to the east, the domed Hong Kong Space Museum (Mon & Wed–Fri 1–9pm, Sat & Sun 10am–9pm; HK$10, free Wed) houses some highly user-friendly exhibition halls on astronomy and space exploration. The highlight here, however, is the planetarium, known as the Space Theatre, which presents amazing wide-screen space shows for an additional fee (HK$32, concessions HK$16; call 2721 0226 for show times). Immediately east of the Peninsula Hotel, running north from Salisbury Road, neon-lit Nathan Road dominates the commercial hub of Kowloon and boasts Hong Kong's most concentrated collection of electronics shops, tailors, jewellery stores and fashion boutiques. The variety of goods on offer is staggering, but the southern section of Nathan Road, known as the Golden Mile for its commercial potential, is by no means a cheap place to shop these days, and tourist rip-offs are all too common. One of the least salubrious, but most exotic, corners of Nathan Road is the gigantic Chungking Mansions, 200m north of the junction with Salisbury Road. The shopping arcades here on the two lowest floors are a steaming jungle of ethnic shops, curry houses and dark corners, which seem to stretch away into the impenetrable heart of the building, making an interesting contrast with the antiseptic air-conditioned shopping malls that fill the rest of Hong Kong. The upstairs floors are packed with guesthouses – the mainstay of Hong Kong's backpacker accommodation. A few hundred metres north of Chungking Mansions, Kowloon Park (daily 6am–midnight) is marked at its southeastern corner by the white-domed Kowloon Mosque (not open to tourists). There's also an indoor and outdoor swimming-pool complex in the park, with Olympic-size facilities (daily 6.30am–9.30pm; tel 2724 3577). Over on Chatham Road South, east of Nathan Road, are two hulking museums that are worth a browse. The first, the Hong Kong Science Museum at 2 Science Museum Rd (Tues–Fri 1–9pm, Sat & Sun 10am–9pm; $25, Wed free) has three floors of hands-on science exhibits especially designed for children. Just opposite is the new $390 million-Hong Kong Museum of History (daily except Tues 10am–6pm; $10, Wed free), where you can walk through four million years in a couple of hours in the ambitious permanent exhibit called "The Story of Hong Kong". The exhibition has been put together in a blaze of colour, and is supplemented by video screenings, light shows, computer interactive software and life-size reproductions of everything from patches of prehistoric jungle to a 1960s cinema screening a documentary.

Hong Kong Disney income can cover expansion costs

2005-12-06T11:03:00.000+08:00

Disney income can cover expansion costs

Views heard: Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip takes questions on a radio talk show. Hong Kong Disneyland's operating income will cover the cost of expanding its facilities, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip says. Speaking on an RTHK talk show today, Mr Ip said a million visitors have visited the theme park since its opening. With a daily average of 14,000 visitors - only 1,000 less than the Government's estimate - he said the park's operating income will be sufficient to cover expansion expenses. The Government will not need to inject any funds. He said the park must enhance Mainland marketing as the Individual Visit Scheme has been expanded to cover 200 million people in 38 cities. More Hong Kong Parks mooted More than 19 million people visited Hong Kong in the first 10 months of the year, putting the year's target of 23 million well within reach. The theme park and the Individual Visit Scheme are some of the many factors which help boost tourism. The Government is discussing building more theme parks. When asked whether the WTO 6th Ministerial Conference will benefit tourism, Mr Ip said more than 10,000 people will take part and most hotels in Central and Wan Chai are fully booked. As some visitors may want to avoid coming to Hong Kong during the conference, the Tourism Board offers updates on the latest situation on its website. 2011 Hong Kong Cruise terminal Mr Ip said a site at the end of the old Kai Tak Airport runway is suitable for proposed cruise terminal facilities. To ensure the site selected is the best available and acceptable from a town-planning viewpoint, a two-month open invitation for expressions of interest was launched last month. It will ascertain whether there are suitable and feasible sites other than Kai Tak for a new terminal. Mr Ip said if a site cannot be identified through this call for expressions of interest, the Government will focus on developing a terminal at Kai Tak for 2011.

2005 Macau International Kart Grand Prix

2005-12-05T12:12:00.000+08:00

2005 Macau International Kart Grand Prix

17 & 18 Dec Karting is recognized worldwide as the entry point for young racers and leading international motorsport teams watch the category closely in their constant search for future champions. On November 17 & 18, Macau will host the 2005 Macau International Kart Grand Prix The event will be run at the Macau Kartodrome, a specially constructed facility on Coloane Island and probably the finest in Asia. This year, several 'Formula A' contenders from Italy, Finland, Germany, England and France have been invited to join the race on the 1.2 km purpose built circuit. The karting track is accessible to both adults and children and exceeds the International B Standard. A motor sports themed restaurant inside the circuit offers food and beverages, and grandstands are available to watch the fun. Start Time: around 10:00 a.m. | Venue: Kartodromo, Coloane | Ticket Price: MOP$100 (Complimentary) Organizers: Macau Sport Development Board, Macau Government Tourist Office, China-Macau Autosports Club Telephone enquiries: (853) 726 578, 882 126

Two new Tricat Catamarans MK2009 and MK2010 joining TurboJET Hongkong Macau Route

2005-12-05T11:31:00.000+08:00

Two new Tricat Catamarans MK2009 and MK2010 joining TurboJET Hongkong Macau Route

Press Release (Hong Kong- September 2, 2005) Shun Tak-China Travel Ship Management Ltd. held a celebration cocktail this afternoon at the New Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal to announce the acquisition of two new TriCat Catamarans MK2009 and MK2010. The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Ao Man Long, Secretary for Transport and Public Works of Macau SAR and Ms. Pansy Ho, Director and CEO of Shun Tak- China Travel Ship Management Limited. At the occasion, TurboJET reiterated its dedication towards the promotion of Macau tourism through establishing the city as a premier destination and transit node within the Pearl River Delta. Committed to Building the Future of Macau The strongest fleet of high-speed passenger vessels in Asia, TurboJET, has sustained continuous growth in passenger volume over the past years. In particular, TurboJET Sea Express plying the airport routes has experienced considerable growth since its launch. In response to such demands and an anticipated surge in passenger volume with the launching of various upcoming large-scale tourist attractions, TurboJET is enhancing its exceptional services through the acquisition of two new Tricat Catamarans- the MK2009 and MK2010, to offer more frequent and enjoyable services to customers. At the celebration cocktail, Director and CEO of Shun Tak- China Travel Ship Management Limited, Ms. Pansy Ho indicated, “As the leading high-speed passenger fleet in Asia, TurboJET is determined to extend a multi-modal air-sea transit system within the PRD in order to complement Macau’s vibrant development and the resultant surge in passenger volume. The acquisition of two new TriCat Catamarans marks another important step to realize this vision we had as early as year 2002.” Ms. Ho further continued, “As Macau is an important gateway to the PRD, TurboJET will continue to utilize its profound experience in the passenger shipping industry, and take on a leadership role in promoting the city’s tourism, as well as reinforcing its strategic advantage as the region’s transit node.” Two New Deluxe Catamarans- MK2009 and MK2010 TurboJET’s newest members, two deluxe TriCat Catamarans, arrived in Hong Kong on August 15, 2005. Each of the watercraft measures 45 metres in length and weighs 185 tons, and are expected to commence service in September and later in the year respectively. The two luxurious catamarans are named MV 2009 and MV 2010. Fitted with powerful 60M twin turbines, the TriCats deliver a service speed of 45 knots per hour and are both equipped with the signature night sailing system uniquely developed by TurboJET. Each vessel has a seating capacity of 333 passengers, offering Economy and Super Class services plus an optional VIP cabin. In addition to servicing our flagship Hong Kong-Macau route, the two vessels will also service sailings between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and airport routes. Significantly increasing capacity in the existing 8 TriCat vessels In order to enhance service volume, an upgrading program for the current fleet of 8 TriCat catamarans is underway since July 2005. Vessel interiors will be reconfigured to increase seating capacity by 10% (from the current 303 seats to 333 seats). Completion of refurbishment is scheduled for year 2006, upon which time, each of the 10 TriCats will offer 282 Economy Class seating and 51 Super Class seating (including 6 seats in VIP cabin). The upgrading program is estimated to cost HK$16.56M. Macau routes experiencing multi-fold growth With the series of spectacular events lined up for the rest of the year including the International Firework Display Contest, East Asian Games, Grand Prix etc., it is expected that millions of tourists will be swarming to Macau via sea routes. Moreover, the launching of world acclaimed attractions, including Hong Kong Disney, Macau Tower Sky Jump and UNESCO World Heritage “Historic Centre of Macau”, are expected to draw a significant volume of overseas tourists to the two cities. In light of such, TurboJET is upgrading its fleet to maintain its service pledge of providing the ultimate in speed, comfort and smoothness. Keeping up with PRD's significant boom in tourism, Shun Tak-China Travel strives to expand its service coverage from its flagship Hong Kong-Macau route to new sailings interconnecting major cities within the PRD. The launching of its Macau-Shenzhen route in year 2002 and the establishment of TurboJET Sea Express in September 2003 which provides ferry services connecting the Hong Kong International Airport, Macau International Airport and Shenzhen BaoAn Airport are good indicators of its foresight and dedication, aiming to provide travelers with an innovative and convenient sea travel alternative. For enquiries, please contact your local TurboJET office: Macau (853) 7907039, Shenzhen (86 755) 2777 6241 or Hong Kong (852) 2859 3333.

Chamber Music Concert in Macau

2005-12-05T11:07:00.000+08:00

Chamber Music Concert in Macau

Dec. 11, 2005 The St. Pius X Music Academy, founded in 1962 by Fr. Áureo Castro, is Macau's leading institution in promoting music education and fostering young artistic talent. Music lovers now have the chance to listen to inspiring classics by teachers of the Academy and musicians from Hong Kong in the gracious surroundings of the Military Club, one of Macau's finest historic buildings. The programme features one of Beethoven's earliest and most popular works - the Piano Trio in C minor - as well as a sextet for violin, viola, cello, clarinet, horn and piano by Ernst von Dohnanyi, who is regarded as the greatest Hungarian pianist and composer after Liszt. The concert will also include piano duet favourites from Faure's Dolly Suite. Time: 6:00 p.m. | Free admission | Venue: Military Club of Macau, Rua da Praia Grande, No. 975 Organizer: St. Pius X Music Academy | Telephone enquiries: (853) 355 654　| www.s-pio-x-mus.edu.mo | source: mgto

Exhibition: City Skin - Images of the Contemporary Metropolis

2005-12-05T10:52:00.000+08:00

Macau Exhibition: City Skin - Images of the Contemporary Metropolis

City Skin' examines the relationship between broadcasting and the contemporary metropolis. In addition to exhibiting at Tap Seac Gallery, displays can be seen near St. Lazarus and Mount Fortress. In Tap Seac Gallery, the exhibits are mainly visual and dimensional multimedia items showing the relationship of history to culture. In the St. Lazarus district, the exhibits are divided into the 'City Skin Poster Series', 'Touch Series' and 'Water Reflections' in a combination of visual and sensory experiences. Photographs, posters and designs will be on display at Mount Fortress and its Corridor, with lamp boxes and video subjects showcased. Opening Hours: Tap Seac Gallery - 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Open on public holidays) Address: Av. do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, No. 95 Mount Fortress and its Corridor - 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. St. Lazarus district - 24 hours | Free admission | Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau | Telephone enquiries: (853) 335 140 | Source: MGTO

st augustine square

2005-11-27T17:56:00.000+08:00

st augustine square
Originally uploaded by olaer.

macau sar china

eating with buddha

2005-11-27T17:32:00.000+08:00

private impressions, originally uploaded by olaer.

Crown Hotel to be 5 Stars?

2005-11-25T12:48:00.000+08:00

Crown likely to have five not six stars The Standard writes that though Melco International Development is busily building what it describes as Macau's first six-star hotel, the HK$1.5 billion Crown Macau casino hotel is likely to officially bear just five stars. Star ratings in Macau are governed by statute and must be displayed prominently. Five stars are the most a hotel can claim under the law. The "one- star" rating was abolished nine years ago, but there has been no move to add new stars at the top end. Traditionally, star ratings are supposed to serve as a guide for travelers and travel agents as to the relative quality, facilities and price level of an area's hotels. Macau's star classification regime, however, ranks hotels solely on their facilities and features, and hoteliers say the local ratings give vague guidance as to price and quality. Of Macau's 42 hotels, nine officially carry five stars. Guestrooms in five-star hotels must be at least 14 square meters and the hotels must have meeting halls, a hair salon and an on-site travel agency, among other features. Nonetheless, said industry veteran Markland Blaiklock who is directing Wynn Macau's hotel operations, "within a given rating, there can exist quite a range of facilities and services." Both the Westin Macau and the Hotel Royal Macau are five star, but the Westin's room rates run about triple those of the Royal. The rating may not even be much guide to a hotel's facilities. Hotels report their star rating to the Macau Government Tourist Office but inspections may take several years to happen. The Sands Macau casino boasts 48 hotel suites that are among the plushest in town, but officially the property carries just three stars as it lacks a swimming pool or a conference room, among other facilities. The rooms are reserved for high rollers and not offered for sale to the public so the Sands escapes association with its budget-hotel peers. The HK$3 billion Grand Lisboa will offer rooms that are larger, bathroom facilities that are the largest in town with massage showers and a separate [dressing] area. The law says such hotels must feature either a Portuguese or Macanese restaurant and a warm-water pool, among other amenities. Melco is developing the Crown hotel through a joint venture with Publishing & Broadcasting of Australia, which operates the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne. Australian hotels star themselves and by PBL's reckoning, its complex is home to the five-star Crown Towers and the 4 star Crown Promenade hotels.

Macau Grand Prix winner Lucas di Grassi thankful for safety car

2005-11-24T14:30:00.000+08:00

Di Grassi thankful for safety car from Autosport By Jonathan Noble November 20th 2005, 11:42 GMT Macau Grand Prix winner Lucas di Grassi has admitted that he would have had no chance of winning the blue riband event if it was not for the late-race Safety Car. The Manor Motorsport driver, who is the first Brazilian to win at Macau since Mauricio Gugelmin in 1985, managed to overtake Robert Kubica two laps from home after diving past immediately after a Safety Car restart. And having lost the lead just a few laps before the Safety Car to Kubica, whose car improved over the course of the race, di Grassi said that there would have been no chance to respond to his Polish rival without the outside intervention. "I think my car was a bit different to Robert's," said di Grassi. "There were a lot of reasons for that, like the engines and wings, but it meant we were quicker on the straights while I was a bit slower in the middle sector. "But you cannot overtake on the mountain section, you can only overtake on the straights, so if there was not the Safety Car then I don't think I could have caught Robert. He was really fast. "After the Safety Car I did a good restart, got a good tow and pushed for one lap. And when I saw on the first corner of the last lap that he could not make a move, then I was pretty comfortable because it is quite hard to overtake in the mountains. So I pushed to the end and it was a great win." Kubica backed up di Grassi's views - claiming that he was sure of the win before the Safety Car was called out just five laps from home. "We struggled a bit in the beginning of the race when we had cold tyres, and we knew that we didn't have enough speed on the straights," said this year's World Series by Renault champion. "So we were trying to make the car as fast as possible in the corners. "We had done it (had the race won) but unfortunately the Safety Car came at the wrong moment. If it had come even one lap earlier probably, it would have been much easier for me to overtake Lucas. "There was nothing more I could do at the restart, because we were much slower on the straight, so if there was not a Safety Car then I think it was done. But here in Macau it has been shown that not always the fastest guy wins the race."

Di Grassi wins the Macau GP

2005-11-24T14:26:00.000+08:00

Di Grassi wins the Macau GP from AutoSport By Jonathan Noble November 20th 2005, 08:38 GMT Lucas di GrassiBrazilian Lucas di Grassi won a thrilling Macau Grand Prix on Sunday - snatching the lead from rival Robert Kubica with just two laps to go to take the chequered flag 0.6 seconds ahead of his nearest challenger. The battle for victory was blown wide open at the start when pole position man Loic Duval, who had dominated the qualifying race on Saturday, was adjudged to have jumped the start when his car moved forwards with the lights still red. Duval managed to keep the lead at the start and stretched out an impressive 2.2 seconds lead over the first lap. After opening up his advantage by a further one second a lap, the Race Stewards decided to hand him a drive-through penalty. He pitted on lap six and dropped well down the order. Duval's penalty meant that the fight for the lead was left between di Grassi and Kubica, who were locked in a thrilling battle for the entire race. Di Grassi had moved to the head of their battle on lap two, with a brave move around the outside at Lisboa, but lost what was then the lead on lap 10 when Kubica dived down the inside at the same corner after getting a good slipstream. Kubica seemed set for victory but the Safety Car was called out at the end of that lap after Danny Watts, Charlie Kimball and Dan Clarke were involved in a collision at Faraway that left cars in a dangerous position. The Safety Car pulled in at the start of lap 14 and di Grassi seized the opportunity to slice past Kubica on the run into Mandarin. He then stayed ahead, despite intense pressure from Kubica, to take the victory. German Sebastian Vettel took third place, ahead of TOM'S duo Joao Paolo de Oliveira and Kazuki Nakajima. Duval recovered to finish sixth. CLASSIFIED: Pos Driver Make-Engine Time 1. Lucas Di Grassi Dallara Mercedes-HWA 40:49.730 2. Robert Kubica Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB + 0.659 3. Sebastian Vettel Dallara Mercedes-HWA + 3.924 4. Joao P De Oliveira Dallara Toyota-Tom's + 7.003 5. Kazuki Nakajima Dallara Toyota-Tom's + 8.619 6. Loic Duval Dallara Mercedes-HWA + 8.705 7. Christian Bakkerud Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB + 11.185 8. Paolo Montin Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB + 12.490 9. Romain Grosjean Dallara Opel-Spiess + 13.007 10. Franck Perera Dallara Opel-Spiess + 13.290 11. Guillaume Moreau Dallara Opel-Spiess + 13.890 12. Fabio Carbone SLC Opel-Spiess + 16.445 13. Karl Reindler Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB + 17.334 14. Mike Conway Dallara Mercedes-HWA + 17.808 15. Michael Ho Dallara Toyota-Tom's + 26.120 16. Rodolfo Avila Dallara Mercedes HWA + 28.615 17. Daisuke Ikeda Dallara Toyota-Tom's + 1 Lap 18. Lei Kit Meng Dallara Opel-Spiess + 1 Lap 19. Jo Merszei Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB + 1 Lap 20. Steven Kane Lola Honda-Mugen/NB + 2 Laps NOT CLASSIFIED/RETIREMENTS: Driver Make-Engine On lap Cheong Lou Meng Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB 10 Dan Clarke Dallara Opel-Spiess 9 Charlie Kimball Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB 9 Danny Watts Dallara Toyota-Tom's 9 Stephen Jelley Dallara Opel-Spiess 8 Naoki Yokomizo Dallara Nissan-Tomei 4 Fillip Salaquarda Dallara Opel-Spiess 3 Kohei Hirate Dallara Opel-Spiess 1 Bruno Senna Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB 1 Fastest lap: Duval, 2:11.929 on lap 9

Duval fears after the Macau Grand Prix

2005-11-24T14:23:00.000+08:00

Macau Grand Prix - Duval fears for his future By Jonathan Noble November 21st 2005, 10:44 GMT Euroseries Formula Three front-runner Loic Duval is keeping his fingers crossed that the start-line error that cost him victory in the Macau Grand Prix will not wreck his career. The Frenchman had been handed a golden opportunity to impress after landing a drive with the crack ASM team following Lewis Hamilton's decision to pull out of Macau. But despite dominating practice and the qualification race in the Macau Grand Prix, it all went wrong at the start of the main event when his car lurched forward when the lights were on. He was handed a drive-through penalty for jumping the start. And although he knows that his speed over the weekend impressed the team and onlookers, he fears that his failure to win the Macau Grand Prix will not go down well with the bosses of the Renault Driver Development programme as they decide which drivers to back next year. "The team, the engineers, the boss were saying: 'Loic, you were really fast, you were like Lewis.' But while I know that and the team know that, I will have to speak to RDD about it and they were not here - they know the result only. "When you have everything like this and you have a good team and a good car then you have to win. And I didn't." Duval's lack of sponsorship backing means that he needs RDD's backing to fulfil his dream of moving up to GP2 next year. "If I was the winner here then it was definitely GP2 next year, but I don't know if anybody will now want me in the car," he said. "RDD told me to win here and I didn't win. They will not be happy, but I am confident about my speed so we will see what happens in the next month. "I don't want to do F3 again unless it is with ASM, but I think their seats have gone. So I think I will go to the World Series by Renault or GP2. "But I have no money so first I have to stay with RDD. If they don't want me or tell me that I am not really good then I will have to go to Japan or something like that."

Kubica's Macau Grand Prix

2005-11-24T14:18:00.000+08:00

Kubica and returning to Formula 3 for the Macau Grand Prix World Series by Renault champion Robert Kubica has said that he has no regrets about returning to Formula Three for the Macau Grand Prix - even though he failed to win the event. Lucas di Grassi won the Macau Grand Prix by a fraction of a second over the Polish driver. But Kubica still believes the pace he showed more than justified his decision to temporarily return to F3. "We have shown to people that Honda are still quick enough to win races, Carlin Motorsport are quick enough to win races and I am quick enough to win races – even though I didn't drive F3 all year," he said. "People said I was crazy to want to come here, but I have shown that I can still drive an F3 car even when I wasn't driving all season." Kubica is due to test a Renault Formula One car next month, as a prize for winning the World Series, and is hoping the run will open up further opportunities for him next season. "I hope I will get some chance to test other cars," he said. "I hope we can get some good possibilities for next year – and that is the most important thing. I want to get a good seat for next season." from autosport...

Macau Grand Prix Challenge

2005-11-18T11:32:00.000+08:00

Macau Grand Prix Challenge

by Jonathan Noble They say there are two types of drivers at Macau: those who have hit the wall, and those who are about to. One of the most challenging tracks on the planet, Macau hosts one of the most thrilling races of the year. analyses the challenge and previews the event.

For seasoned travellers of Asia, the five-letter word conjures up stark images of noisy casinos, busy bars, restaurants serving up a fusion of Eastern and Western delights, and the bright lights of the modern hotels contrasting with the Mediterranean architecture of the old town.

But mention Macau to any racing enthusiast and the reaction is very different. Their heart rate goes up and a grin will spread across their face, because it means just one thing – arguably the best street circuit in the world.

While the casual Formula One fan may find it hard to imagine that anything can surpass Monaco, speak to any of the men who have raced on both circuits and there is never any doubt that the Asian track puts it Mediterranean rival firmly in the shade.

Former winner Takuma Sato's reaction is typical. Stop him in the F1 paddock and just say Macau and his eyes always light up. "It is the greatest circuit in the world I think," he says.

The 3.8-mile Macau Guia circuit is split into two distinct personalities. Along the harbour front there is a flat-out blast that lasts for nearly 30 seconds, which includes the fearsome 140mph Mandarin Bend that has caught out many past stars.

After the following tight right handed Lisboa, which all too often lures drivers into its tyre barriers, the Macau track then takes on a more usual street-circuit feel. There is the slow San Francisco Bend, which has emerged as the new favourite spot for opening lap pile-ups, before the drivers head flat out up the hill under Hospital Bridge to the tight wall-lined sequence of corners – Maternity Bend, the Solitude Esses and then a short straight section before Moorish Hill.

Following the Dona Maria Bend (a quite fast hairpin), there is the infamous Melco Hairpin – probably the tightest corner on any international circuit. Some teams opt to give their drivers more right hand lock to get their cars through (as much as 300-degrees in some cases) but even so you cannot afford to not get on the right line.

And the exit of the hairpin is important because it leads to the start of the complex of long-straights, separated by the fourth gear Fishermen's Bend and R Bend, before the start-finish straight that runs all the way down to Lisboa.

The challenge makes it tough for rookies for succeed – and invariably you can say there are two types of drivers at Macau. Those who have hit the wall, and those who are about to.

As Mark Webber says: "When you first get there you think it is a bit crazy for a car race - and I have got to say that the motorbike guys are psychopaths - but whoever is quick around there is definitely a good driver." The unique challenges of the track have helped maintain Macau's place as the blue-ribband Formula Three event of the year – and have no doubt played a part in convincing the FIA to add the event to the World Touring Car Championship calendar this year.

Yet the supreme difficulty of the track, the high speeds allied to its tightness, means that danger lies around every curve – and the result is that no driver can take anything for granted in his quest for victory. A look at the tales behind many of the wins shows how success on the streets of Macau is as much about survival of the fittest as it is about being the quickest.

There was 1997 winner Soheil Ayari, who triumphed despite a spectacular 140mph flight through the air after he was launched over the rear wheel of another car on the run down to Lisboa. Peter Dumbreck will not forget his 1998 triumph, which was by just 0.003 seconds, while Jenson Button will only wonder what might have been after he saw a first lap shunt cause a red flag just after he had got clear in the lead of the race in 1999.

Macau has been something of a self-fulfilling success story. Its reputation has been enhanced by the calibre of its winners – which in turn has served to encourage the sport's rising stars to want to compete on the streets. It's hard for any driver to turn his nose up at the chance of following in the footsteps of former winners Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher.

And while a good showing at Macau is no guarantee of making it into Formula One -Takuma Sato is the only winner since Ralph Firman in 1996 to have made the jump to Grand Prix racing so far - recent history shows only too well how quickly Macau front-runners do get to the top.

New Williams signing Nico Rosberg briefly led last year's race before crashing into the barriers, while future Squadra Toro Rosso driver Scott Speed took a podium finish in the supporting Formula Renault race – which is now being used by F3 hopefuls keen to get track knowledge the year before their main event.

It is no wonder that some drivers even opt to return to Formula Three for the event, even though their careers have taken them higher up the racing ladder. Rene Arnoux famously finished sixth in 1985, Ralph Firman returned in 1997 the year after winning it, while this year's World Series by Renault champion Robert Kubica is making his return with Carlin Motorsport.

"I know some people have said I am crazy to come and do F3 again after winning the World Series, but I disagree," said Kubica, whose next run in a racing car will be a test in the Renault R25 at Barcelona in early December.

"For me, racing at Macau is really a challenge and after being quite competitive last year I wanted to come back because I am convinced I can do a good job. It's the nicest track in the world."

On the other side of the prestige coin, however, the challenge and fortune element of Macau has invariably led to some drivers choosing not to risk harming their image by possibly failing in the race.

This year, pre-event favourite Formula Three Euroseries champion Lewis Hamilton withdrew from the race on advice from mentors McLaren because there was a chance all his good work in dominating the season could be undone by a poor result in Macau. He was in that difficult situation where anything less than victory would not have been good enough, and it was felt his time would be better spent preparing for 2006.

While Hamilton's decision is understandable, there is also an argument to suggest that drivers should be confident enough in their own abilities to not fear the consequences of getting it wrong. When Sato came to Macau in 2001, he already had a contract with Jordan Grand Prix in the bag for the following season, but was adamant that he wanted to add victory on the Chinese streets to his British F3 crown.

Sato had it all to lose if things had gone wrong, but came through it all to dominate the weekend in style – despite some early pressure from teammate Anthony Davidson in qualifying before the Briton was sidelined with a neck injury after a crash.

But Macau is not just about the challenge of the race track. For drivers it is the chance to let their focus on racing maybe slip off a little bit over the weekend, before letting themselves go completely on Sunday night. The late night bars, cabaret activities and restaurants offer plenty of temptation – especially to some of the younger F3 drivers who have never travelled outside of Europe before.

As one former Macau Grand Prix winner said ahead of this week's event: "I always have to say that Macau is nothing special away from the race track, because if I told the truth about what was so good there is no way you could write it!"

It is little wonder that so many driver exploits have gone down into Macau folklore – and they are only the tales that have become public. There are rumours to this day that Gerhard Berger and a fellow F3 driver threw the captain of a Macau ferry overboard one year – while Berger regularly recounts tales of practical jokes he served on his rivals

"I remember Hong Kong was really quite funny," he said looking back on his 1983 entry. "I had a special radio for the helmet that I'd got in England and brought with me.

"Cathy Muller asked me, 'Ah, where did you get that nice radio?' And I said, 'I just bought it here. Very cheap.' 'Ah,' she said. 'I want one, too.' So I said: 'It's very easy. You go by taxi,' and then I made a map. 'You go right, left, right, left, right, left, right, left, straight. Ten minutes with the taxi you will find it and there you will get it cheap.' So off she and some other drivers went in a taxi. Right, left, right, left, and came back five hours later, everybody upset, to find out that I'd bought the thing in England!"

The fun, entertainment, challenge and prestige of the event all add up to deliver the heady cocktail of excitement that is the Macau Grand Prix. It is an event that even for those seasoned with the Formula One trail still holds more than enough to stay enthralled.

This all explains why I've not missed a Macau Grand Prix since I first made the trek in 1997. And for those who've never been, I can only say that if there is ever a chance to go just take it. You will not be disappointed. Originally appeared in Autosport Click here for more info about Macau and the Grand Prix

New Macau Projects Profile

2005-11-16T15:35:00.000+08:00

All profiles are estimates and may change Animacau Imperial Hotel & Casino Rooms & Suites: 288 Gaming Tables: 200 Slot Machines: 300 Facilities: Dining, Retail and Entertainment Opening Date: December 2005 Cost: HK$ 2 Billion Pier 16 Project (Macau) Guest Rooms & Suites: 250 & 20 VIP Mansions Gaming Tables: 150 Slot Machines: To be Announced Dining, Entertainment, Retail & Shopping Opening: Year 2006 / 2007 Cost: HK$ 2 Billion Fisherman's Wharf Development Opening Date: December 2005/January 2006 Employees: 1000 to 1500 Employees Guest Rooms & Suites: 200 Rooms & Suites Table Games: 80 Slot Machines: 500 Dining, Entertainment, Retail & Shopping / Theme Park Restaurants & Night Clubs, Health Spa and Health Salon Theme Park: Legend Wharf, Dynasty Wharf, East meets West, Hand Made Volcano and a Children's Fort Cost: MOP$1.85 Billion Sands Macau Guest Rooms & Suites: 51 (High Roller Suites Only) Gaming Tables: 453 Slot Machines: 849 Dining, Entertainment Open since 2004 Estimated Cost: USD$265 Million Venetian Macau Guest Rooms & Suites: 3000 Gaming Tables: TBA Slot Machines: 5000 Dining, Entertainment, Retail & Shopping, Conventions etc.. Opening: Year 2007 Cost: USD$1.8 Billion Galaxy Macau (Cotai Strip) Guest Rooms & Suites: To be Announced Gaming Tables: To be Announced Slot Machines: To be Announced Dining, Entertainment, Retail & Shopping Opeining: TBA Cost: TBA Grand Lisboa Macau Guest Rooms & Suites: 650 Gaming Tables: Quantity Not Available Slot Machines: Quantity Not Available Dining, Entertainment, Retail & Shopping Opening: Year 2007 Cost: USD$400 Million MGM Grand Macau Target Opening Date 2007 600 Hotel Rooms, 300 Gaming Tables, 1000 SLot Machines... Dining, Entertainment & Retail Stores etc... Employees: 2000 to 3000 Cost: USD$975 Million Cotai Strip Macau (Development by Venetian Macau Ltd.) 20 Hotels & Casinos Sheraton Hotels Marriott Hotels Regal Hotels Four Seasons Hotels Employing 120,000 60,000 Hotel Rooms Cost: USD$12-15 billion Oceanus Macau Guest Rooms & Suites: 600 Casino, Complx of Shops, Offices, Apartments.... Target Opening Date 2009. Cost: HK$6.2 billion City of Dreams Macau Under Water Casino... Guest Rooms & Suites: 2000 Gaming Tables: 450 Slot Machines: 3000 Offices, Apartments, Dining, Entertainment & Retail... Shopping Mall and a 4000-seat performance hall Opening Date Mid 2008 Cost: HK$8.0 billion Shangri-La Hotels 5-Star Hotel Total Rooms & Suites: 500 Traders Hotel 4-Star Hotel Total Rooms & Suites: 1000 Business Center, Spa Recreational Facilities and Stylish Dining Facilities Opening Date: Year 2008 The Star World Casino Macau (Galaxy Project) Rooms & Suites: TBA Gaming Tables: 400 Slot Machines: TBA Night Club & Sauna Facility Restaurants and Entertainment Shopping & Retail Opening September 2006 Cost: HK$1.8 Million Far East Group Project Cotai Total Floor Area: 3 million sqf. Hotel Rooms: 2,000 Shopping Mall: 1 million sqf. Serviced Apartments: 360,000 sqf. Casino: 200,000 sqf. Gaming Tables: 400 Opening in 2007 2 phases

Macau Events in November

2005-11-15T08:57:00.000+08:00

Macau Events in November

Macau Grand Prix This year's Macau Grand Prix will boast the best-ever race line-up in its action-packed 52-year history. The FIA Intercontinental Cup of Formula 3, the final round of the all-new FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and the 39th Motorcycle Grand Prix-Hotel Fortuna are the three prestigious headline events.The 5th Macau Food Festival is yet another attraction to add to the carnival atmosphere of the 52nd Macau Grand Prix, and is expected to attract foodies from near and far. To celebrate the 52nd Macau Grand Prix and the 5th Macau Food Festival, fireworks displays will be held on November 12, 16 & 20 near the Macau Tower. This autumn is going to be hot with the colors of Latin America! The "Latinamerica 2005 Festival" will offer insights into Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela's diverse cultures through photo displays and handicrafts exhibition at the Macau Tower. 11 to 27 Nov - 5th Macau Food Festival The 5th Macau Food Festival is yet another attraction to add to the carnival atmosphere of the 52nd Macau Grand Prix, and is expected to attract foodies from near and far. The Festival will comprise Macau Street, Asian Cuisine Street, Greater China Street and Portuguese Street, to introduce not only local mouth-watering cuisine but worldwide fare, too. Game booths and a variety of performances add to the fun. Time: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Monday to Thursday) 3:00 p.m. to midnight (Friday to Sunday) Free Admission. Venue: Sai Van Lake Square. Telephone enquiries: (853) 575 765. Free shuttle bus, from Monday to Thursday starting at 5:00 p.m. until 11:30 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to half pass midnight, the itinerary is between Luso International Banking headquarters, located at Av. Dr. Mario Soares, and Sai Van Lake Square. 12 & 13 Nov - 36th Anniversary of Caritas Macau Charity Bazaar The traditional Charity Bazaar of Caritas Macau, now in its 36th year, will be held in the NAPE district by the waterfront this month. Numerous booths will offer a variety of games and assorted entertainment for adults and children, and a full programme of variety shows and stage performances is scheduled for the whole of the two afternoons and evenings. Refreshments and food are also available in several small kiosks, making the bazaar an ideal outing for the family. On Sunday November 13, the winning raffle tickets will be drawn, with a first prize of MOP$100,000 up for grabs. Tickets - on sale now at MOP$10, with receipts going to charity - can be bought at the bazaar once it's open. Residents and visitors welcome! Time: 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Free admission Venue: Open space opposite the Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE Organizer: Caritas Macau Telephone enquiries: (853) 573 297 12 to 20 Nov LATINAMERICA 2005 FESTIVAL This autumn is going to be hot with the colors of Latin America! Macau Government Tourist Office is joining hands with the Group of Latin American Consulates in Hong Kong and Macau (GRULAC) to host the "LATINAMERICA 2005 FESTIVAL" which will offer insights into Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela's diverse cultures through photo displays and handicrafts exhibition at the Macau Tower. Performance of Latin dance and music will also be staged in November to fill Macau with Latin passion! Time: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Free admission Organizers: Macau Government Tourist Office, Group of Latin American Consulates in Hong Kong and Macau (GRULAC) Venue: Level G, Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre. Telephone enquiries: (853) 315 566 12, 16 & 20 Nov Fireworks Display Fireworks displays will be held on November 12,16 & 20 to celebrate the 52nd Macau Grand Prix and the 5th Macau Food Festival. This popular event traditionally draws thousands to the waterfront near the Macau Tower to watch the evening sky light up. Time: 9:00 p.m. on 12 & 16 Nov. and 10:00 p.m. on 20 Nov. Free admission Venue: Sea area in front of the Macau Tower Organizer: Macau Government Tourist Office Telephone enquiries: (853) 333 000 * Displays last approx. 15 minutes 13 to 26 Nov - Boom Creation Intellectual property rights have jumped to the forefront of social consciences, prompting a creative exhibition named 'Boom Creation' to be held by the Macau Art Affairs Institute & Centre for Creative Industries. Boom Creation is the first product design expo in Macau for creative, elegant and practical exhibits. Local students and Macau residents who study in Mainland China and Taiwan are welcome to participate in this event, and exhibits from the students of Cheng Kung University in Taiwan will also be on display. Time: 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays) Free admission Venue: Center for Creative Industries, r/c, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE Organizers: Macau Art Affair Institute, Center for Creative Industries Co-organizer: Faculty of Design of Cheng Kung University (Taiwan) Supporting entity: Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center Sponsors: Henry Fok Foundation, Civic & Municipal Affairs Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau Telephone enquiries: (853) 753 282　www.creativemacau.org.mo 16 Nov 2nd Miss Airline International Contest Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong & Macau Competition The theme of the Miss Airline International Contest is 'Beautiful Sky Angel, Beautiful New Macau' this year, and represents the first time the event has been held in Macau. A series of activities will be conducted from July to December 2005 with the finals in Shanghai. Participants come from most of the major airlines and are required to display their professional skills and personal talents. In the Macau competition, audiences can also enjoy a large music and fashion show. Time: 8:00 p.m. Venue: 4th Floor, Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre Organizer: 2nd Miss Airline International Contest Committee. Admission: Please check with organiser. Telephone enquiries: (853) 322 011　www.missairline.com.cn 16 Nov 2005 to 5 Mar 2006 Inward Gazes - Documentaries of Chinese Performance Art While the human body is a product of different eras, environments and individual dispositions, it is also a performing object given to individual and social activities. At the same time, the body is an important subject of mutual discovery, contact, care, encouragement, resistance, interchange and introspection. In organizing 'Inward Gazes - Documentaries of Chinese Performance Art', the Macau Museum of Art, a subsidiary of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau exhibits its collection of precious documentary information about Chinese performance arts. In addition, the Museum will discuss, present and promote the development of Chinese contemporary art with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and respect between human beings through the exchange of art and culture. Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admittance after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays) Admission: MOP$5 (Free admission on Sundays. Venue: 2nd floor Gallery of Special Exhibitions I, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE Organizer: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic & Municipal Affairs Bureau Telephone enquiries: (853) 7919 814　 17 to 20 Nov 52nd Macau Grand Prix Revs Up This year's Macau Grand Prix will boast the best-ever race line-up in its action-packed 52-year history. The FIA Intercontinental Cup of Formula 3, the final round of the all-new FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and the 39th Motorcycle Grand Prix-Hotel Fortuna are the three prestigious headline events, with a further six races for touring, saloon, and junior single-seaters adding spice to the occasion. The FIA World Touring Car Championship has now achieved World Championship status and Macau hosts the final round this month. Macau's Guia street circuit - often described as the 'Monaco of the East' - is the only circuit with car and motorcycle races on the same programme and poses a real test for man and machine as well as providing a picturesque backdrop for race fans of every stripe. Organizer: Macau Grand Prix Committee. Telephone enquiries: (853) 7962 268　 20 Nov Rosa Passos Concert Rosa Passos carries the soulful cool of bossa nova into a new age. Her sweet, warm and totally-in-tune voice is undeniably enchanting. The voice and style, beloved by South Americans for so long, now delights international audiences with 'Obrigado Brazil, Live in Concert'. The singer/songwriter's stage charisma and sinuous delivery reminds us that 'less can be more', as does the defining guitar-work of João Gilberto. For her performance in Macau, Rosa Passos and four dazzling musicians will feature several bossa nova classics along with some Oscar-winning theme songs. The small group performs in an atmospheric arrangement, which is often restrained, but jazzy, while the orchestration in some arrangements is rich and penetrating. Time: 8:00 p.m. Venue: Grand Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE Admission: MOP$220, 180, 140, 100 Organizer: Macau Cultural Centre Telephone enquiries: (853) 700 699　www.ccm.gov.mo Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (without intermission) 23 Nov Tango: The Legend Tango's roots can be traced from both Europe and Africa. When tango came to Argentina, it metamorphosed with the local dance culture, which was expressive and unrestrained, and a new form of dance was created - the Argentinean Tango. Hundreds of years on, it has become the very quintessence of the country. Add love, desire, sentiment and hatred, and the complicated personality of this unique dance starts to materialize. The first artists to be awarded Argentinean's highest dance honour - the María Ruanova Award - were the principal dancer and artistic director of 'Tango x 2', Miguel Angel Zotto and Milena Plebs. Now we invite the Argentine dance troupe Tango por Dos to perform the inimitable 'Tango Legend' - a pulsating potpourri of 50 kinds of wonderful, unsurpassed tango dances, complete with splendid costumes, crowned by classic songs and special, original stories. Thrill to a hundred years of illustrious dance, and prepare for the seismic cultural shock of the tango! Time: 8:00 p.m. Venue: Grand Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE. Admission: MOP$220, 180, 140, 100. Organizer: Macau Cultural Centre. Telephone enquiries: (853) 700 699　www.ccm.gov.mo Duration: Approximately 2 hours (including 15 minutes intermission) 23 to 25 Nov International Hotel Equipment & Supplies Expo The International Hotel Equipment & Supplies Expo acts an exceptional showcase to feature a diverse range of products used by the hotel industry such as food and beverages, kitchenware, security equipment and management systems, etc. Special activities will also be staged, with professional or featured topics relevant to the current development of the hotel industry. Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (23 & 24 Nov) / 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (25 Nov) Free admission Venue: 2nd Floor, Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre Organizers: Coastal International Exhibition Co., Ltd, Macau Convention & Exhibition Association Co-organizer: ANL International Conference & Exhibition Co., Ltd. Supporting Entities: Macau Government Tourist Office, Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Macau Hotel Association, Macau Hoteliers & Innkeepers Association, Association of Macau Restaurant Merchants Telephone enquiries: (853) 715 760 www.mcea.org.mo　www.hotel-exhibition.com 25 to 27 Nov Raymond Iong's Magic Creations Show Renowned Macau magician Raymond Iong is the first local wizard to win an award in an international magic competition. For many years, Raymond hosted TV magic shows in Macau and on the Mainland, and trained a number of aspiring magicians, earning himself the monika of 'The Father of Macau Magic' in the process. Following the success of his annual magic performances, this year's show will be performed by the maestro and several local and overseas disciples. Raymond's 'Dream of Magic Love' will also be unveiled to the Macau public for the first time, and tells of a magician finding love in a dream. Touching moments, romantic music matched with special stage effects enhance the dreamlike quality of the performance. Time: 8:00 p.m. Venue: Ho Lai Iun Va Brito Theatre, 3rd Floor, New City Commercial Centre, Av. Artur Tamagnini Barbosa. Admission: MOP$80, 60. Organizer: Macau Magic Artist Society, Macau Caritas. Production: Iong's Magic & Co. Macau. Telephone enquiries: (853) 334 644　www.iongsmagic.com 26 Nov The Macau Orchestra in Collaboration with Macau Young Musicians - Open Air Concert The Macau Orchestra, Macau Philharmonic Association, Macau Conservatory and Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra Association are combining their considerable talents to present the 'Overture to opera Ruslan and Lyudmila' , 'The Enchanted Lake' and other classic pieces under the baton of Francis Kan, one of Hong Kong's most accomplished conductors and violists. Kan won the International Competition for Young Conductors in Portugal in 1995 and since then has appeared as both conductor and viola soloist with several orchestras abroad, including the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra, the Romanian National Radio and Television Orchestra, the Silvestri Chamber Orchestra of the Bucharest Philharmonic of Vancouver, and the British Columbia Chamber Orchestra. Time: 8:00 p.m. Free admission Venue: Ruins of St. Paul's Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau Telephone enquiries: (853) 3996 699　www.icm.gov.mo/om 26 to 28 Nov 'New Faces of Macau' Photography Competition The Historic Centre of Macau - its streets, squares and monuments - has now been inscribed on the prestigious list of World Heritage sites of UNESCO. With economic development rapidly changing the face of the city, the Government Information Bureau and 8 photography associations have jointly organized a competition to capture the transformation as a valuable record of the change. Some 77 exhibits selected from 600 entries will be on display. Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays). Free admission Venue: Pavilion, Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, Est. de Adolfo Loureiro No. 10 Organizer: Government Information Bureau, Photographic Society of Macau, Photography Salon Society of Macau, Art Photographic Promotion Association of Macau, Macau Photography Association, Multi-Media Art Photographic Association of Macau, Macau Art Photography Club, Macau Camera Lens Art Association, Macau Digital Photography Association. Telephone enquiries: (853) 3961 175 30 Nov to 2 Dec Carnival Time! Teochew, or 'Chaozhou' is a city in Guangdong Province that has a unique culture manifested through their own food, tea, dialect and music. The Teochew International Convention first convened in 1981, is organized every two years, and to date has been hosted, among other places, by Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, America, France, Mainland China and Macau. This year, the territory will once again organize the event. The 'Food and Culture Festival' will be launched in Senado Square to promote Chaozhou delicacies, while a major parade - complete with Chaozhou drums and dancing - will wend its way from the Ruins of St. Paul's across Senado Square to Sintra Hotel Plaza. Associated activities: Chinese Porcelain - Chaozhou Porcelain Expo. Date & Time: 30 Nov to 2 Dec - 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony: 30 Nov - 2:30 p.m. Venue: Macau Forum, Av. de Maciano Baptista Chaozhou International Paintings & Calligraphy Exhibition Date & Time: 30 Nov to 2 Dec - 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony: 30 Nov - 2:30 p.m. Venue: Tourism Activities Centre, Rua de Luís Gonzaga Gomes Organizer: Chao Zhou Natives Association Macau. Telephone enquiries: (853) 594 449. Free admission for all activities 22 Oct to 6 Nov Macau Fringe 2005 Macau Fringe is a dynamic cultural event organized by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau on an annual basis that continues to grow in popularity both with performers and the public. The Fringe features local and foreign artists and different locations around the city serve as dramatic backdrops to showcase the integration of the spirit of the Arts and the beauty of the city. Join the Fringe artists for the Grand Parade from the Ruins of St. Paul's - it's a city party! Venue: Throughout the city (please refer to promotional materials) Organizer: Civic & Municipal Affairs Bureau. Telephone enquiries: (853) 9884 000, 9884 131, 827 882　 7 Oct to 6 Nov XIX Macau International Music Festival The Macau International Music Festival is a novel way to rejoice in Macau's newly-acquired inscription on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Dom Pedro V Theatre was the first Western theatre built in China in 1860. During the festival, four performances will take place in this newly renovated historical showpiece. The festival presents the evergreen musical 'West Side Story' by Leonard Bernstein (November 1 & 2, 4 to 6). A cast from New York, produced by The Broadway Asia Company, Inc. It is undoubtedly one of the premier attractions of the event. The Empire Brass enjoys an international reputation as North America's finest brass ensemble, renowned for its brilliant virtuosity and the unparalleled diversity of its repertoire. The ensemble has won the renowned Naumburg Prize and the Harvard Music Association Award. Don't miss the performance 'Empire Brass' on November 3 at Macau Tower Auditorium. Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau. Telephone enquiries : (853) 3996 699 Source: Macau Tourism Office

Sands Macau is a Pretty Girl

2005-11-05T16:55:00.000+08:00

"I feel like the prettiest girl on campus because all the boys are chasing me.'' Was heard from Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chief Executive Sheldon Adelson, who is building three hotels in a 200-acre area in Macau known as the Cotai Strip. Hotel operators including Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. and Marriott International Inc. are also interested in building hotels on the Cotai Strip.

Wynn Macau eyeing September 2006 Opening

2005-11-05T16:43:00.001+08:00

Wynn participated in Thursday's 7:30 a.m. conference call from Macau, where it was 11:30 p.m. His presence in Asia was appropriate, he said, given Macau's growing importance to Wynn Resorts. "We're looking forward to a very serious future here with multiproperty development," said Wynn, who will open an employment center in Macau within days. "We really haven't seen the depth of the Macau market yet because the development is still several months away." The company's first Asian resort, the $1.1 billion Wynn Macau, is on pace to open next August or September, Wynn said. He also pledged to build a second Macau resort in Cotai -- a developing strip of reclaimed land between the islands of Taipa and Coloane -- and added his company may soon sell a Macau subconcession to another developer. Wynn Hotel Expects More Job Cuts: "Wynn participated in Thursday's 7:30 a.m. conference call from Macau, where it was 11:30 p.m. His presence in Asia was appropriate, he said, given Macau's growing importance to Wynn Resorts. 'We're looking forward to a very serious future here with multiproperty development,' said Wynn, who will open an employment center in Macau within days. 'We really haven't seen the depth of the Macau market yet because the development is still several months away.' The company's first Asian resort, the $1.1 billion Wynn Macau, is on pace to open next August or September, Wynn said. He also pledged to build a second Macau resort in Cotai -- a developing strip of reclaimed land between the islands of Taipa and Coloane -- and added his company may soon sell a Macau subconcession to another developer.

Wynn Hotel Expects More Job Cuts

2005-11-05T16:43:00.000+08:00

Walt Disney World Dining

2005-11-04T17:54:00.000+08:00

Disney Dining: Pleasing Your Picky Eaters at Walt Disney World

By Leslie Clevenstine The full service restaurants at Disney World are bustling these days with the growing popularity of their “Dining Plus” option available for Magic Your Way package. Many guests who previously stuck strictly to the counter service options at the parks or the hotel food court, are getting to sample the huge variety of culinary options available at the full service restaurants. But new experiences in food don’t appeal to everyone. Kids in particular, as well as many adults, have a limited range of what they enjoy eating. If this sounds like someone in (or all of) your group, don’t let this stop you from trying a new dining experience. Many Disney restaurants also serve up a unique atmosphere as well as food, and there are ways you can enjoy both the experience and the meal. General Tips Every Disney full service restaurant, even the really fancy ones, has a kid’s menu with kid-friendly choices like chicken nuggets, hot dogs, spaghetti, and macaroni and cheese. Picky teens and adults can order off the kid’s menu too. Just don’t expect larger portions. Although you won’t find it on the menu, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is always available—you just have to ask. Don’t see chicken nuggets or a hamburger on the kid’s menu? Ask. They may well be able to accommodate your request. Try a buffet. Disney does a buffet better than most, and chances are you’ll find a little something for everyone. Even the kids get their own buffet area with kid favorites (but they can always eat from the main buffet if they wish). Many of the buffet restaurants are character meals, where you’ll get some one-on-one time with your favorite characters as well. Unless you’re eating at a buffet or pre-plated character meal, your selections are cooked to order. So don’t be afraid to ask for your entrée with no sauce, or to make a substitution. They’re happy to oblige. Recommended Disney World Restaurants for Picky Eaters Best buffet: Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge). Huge selection, good quality, exotic & tame dishes Best character meal: Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort). Kid-friendly, fun, and a great dessert bar Best fancy restaurant for picky eaters: Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club Resort). Great steaks, elegant atmosphere with strolling violinists Best selection of “comfort” food: 50’s Prime Time Café (Disney-MGM Studios). A step up from traditional diner fare in a fun 50’s atmosphere Best World Showcase restaurant for the finicky: Biergarten (Epcot). If you’re not into German favorites like sauerbraten and red cabbage, you’ll also find rotiserie chicken, roast pork, a variety of salads, and a fun oom-pah band (seating is family style) Leslie Clevenstine is editor of YourDisneyGuide.com, an unofficial guide to planning the perfect Walt Disney World vacation. Visit at http://www.yourdisneyguide.com. Article Source

Casino Vacations

2005-11-04T17:47:00.000+08:00

Casino Vacations for fun and entertainment

By Adel Awwad

Casino vacations are some of the more popular choices for fun and entertainment. It is not surprising then that casinos average more than 50 million visitors a year in the United States.

While most casino vacations take place in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe and the Bahamas, others prefer to take a slow, leisurely and relaxing casino cruise on the open sea.

There are casino vacations for everyone from the leisure traveler to the serious gambler, from singles and couples, to entire families. Many airlines and hotels offer all-inclusive casino vacations, which range in price, depending upon the type of accommodations, number of people, length of stay, and destination. You can select the one that fits your budget and interests.

The highlight of a casino vacation is the casino itself, which offers a variety of table games, including poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, pai gow, and rows and rows of slot machines. In addition, the casino usually has separate keno, horse races, and high stakes gambling areas. The sounds of people laughing, the clink of coins in the slot bins, the lights and bells, and the anticipation of a winning hand or a jackpot payout are exhilarating and exciting. You can gamble what you can afford, enjoy the free beverages, dine at reasonable prices, or take a chance on the giant wheel of fortune for cash and prizes.

Casino vacations may include tickets to a nightly show or evening entertainment, as well. Arcades and amusements for families with children are often available as a part of the vacation package. Whether you choose to gamble in the casino, take in a show, or do a little shopping, casino vacations are an excellent choice for unlimited fun and excitement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Macau Casinos can play on job satisfaction

2005-10-28T12:30:00.000+08:00

Friday 21st October, 2005 AS MACAU RACES to become the Las Vegas of the east, companies in the enclave are trying desperately to fill vacancies. Employers in sectors linked to the booming gaming industry are seeking candidates from Macau, Hong Kong and beyond. Human resources professionals said that while salaries in Macau might not catch up with pay scales in Hong Kong soon, openings there were more likely to provide job satisfaction. They said that employers should focus on this aspect to lure recruits. Choi Siu-lin, a Hong Kong-based associate director at Mercer Human Resource Consulting, said employers there should not think that the only way to attract staff from outside of Macau or retain existing employees was by offering high pay and benefits. Many people were becoming more amenable to accepting challenging, but less lucrative, jobs, especially in Hong Kong. "The job market in Hong Kong is not so good. Since 1997, Hong Kong graduates are more realistic," said Ms Choi, who specialises in performance, measurement and rewards. "For example, if they go to work in China they know they will not be able to command the same level of salaries. Instead, they might go for experience, or for training and development." Ms Choi said many professionals from Hong Kong and beyond were interested in working in Macau because they wanted to be part of its emergence as a major gambling hub. Employers are expanding their recruitment drives beyond Macau because of a shortage of skilled labour in the gaming and supporting industries. But while Hong Kong candidates might speak better English than those from Macau, they should not think that they have the edge, said Humphrey Ng, consultant at Levin Human Resources Development, a consulting firm based in Hong Kong with offices in Macau, Guangzhou and Zhuhai. "People assume that young employees in Macau constantly jump from one job to the next because there are so many opportunities around," Mr Ng said. "But we're finding quite a number of down to earth candidates from Macau who stick at their jobs," he added. Mr Ng has interviewed job candidates from Macau and Hong Kong. He said those from Hong Kong sometimes focused too much energy on giving sharp, witty responses to questions. "In contrast, Macau candidates pour their hearts out during an interview," he said. "They give honest responses and talk about their career plans and goals." "Negotiating with a Hong Kong candidate is like deal-making. With a Macau candidate, it is trust-making," said Samson Lam, the legal adviser and chief executive of Levin Human Resources Development. Vaishnavi Muralidharan, associate director of Mercer Human Resource Consulting, said that employers must be prepared for a certain amount of staff turnover and they should think long term. "They have to position themselves and Macau is attractive enough for people to come, so their cost of recruitment can come down in time," she said. She predicted that job-matching agencies and HR professionals would soon be established in Macau to help these employers. Crying out for staff Macau's labour shortage affects not only the gaming and hospitality industries, but also sectors such as retail, transport, telecommunications and storage. With a population of about 440,000 people, Macau has traditionally had relatively few retail outlets. The sector has expanded to cater for the growing number of tourists and gamblers arriving there, but now faces a shortage of sales staff. Data from the Macau statistics bureau showed that the retail sector had 1,264 vacancies in June this year, 39.2 per cent of which required upper secondary education or above. In the year to June, average salaries climbed 4.7 per cent to 5,714 patacas. There were 555 job openings in the transport, telecommunications and storage sectors in June, according to the statistics bureau. Among these vacancies, 28.3 per cent required upper secondary education or above. As for language skills, 50.8 per cent of the vacancies in the retail sector required knowledge of Putonghua. In the transport, telecoms and storage sectors, 68.4 per cent of vacancies required Putonghua. Sio Chi-wai, vice-president of the Macau Importers and Exporters Association and a retailer of sports apparel and footwear, said his fellow retailers were focusing their energy on retaining their most experienced employees. "Because we're an industry with a low entry barrier, employees with one year of experience become an integral part of our daily operations," he was quoted as saying by the Chinese-language Macao Daily News. "Our focus now is how to reward them satisfactorily so they will stay," Mr Sio added. Easy pace appeals to the senior executives MACAU IS INCREASINGLY seen as a desirable posting for senior executives. After all, not every city gets to be transformed into Asia's Las Vegas. Trevor Sunderland, permanent and executive selection services manager of Manpower (Hong Kong), said Macau's easy pace of life was an attraction for senior executives. "The cost of living is not high, though rents are starting to creep up," he said. "But in a lot of cases it's not about money." Manpower had helped arrange for a number of Hong Kong executives to join the gaming and hospitality sectors in Macau, Mr Sunderland said. Postings in Macau do not necessarily require previous experience with casinos or hotels. Instead, the entire infrastructure of expertise is being built in areas such as information technology, human resources and finance. "The gaming industry has mushroomed significantly in the past couple of years," Mr Sunderland said. The addition of the American-operated casinos had brought new professionalism to the industry. "It needed significant expertise, predominantly in IT," Mr Sunderland said. Before the handover, Macau was ridden by crime and an economic downturn. It would have been difficult to entice Hong Kong managers to relocate there. However, in 2003 when Hong Kong was still dealing with the aftermath of the Sars crisis, Macau rebounded. A wave of senior managers moved to the smaller neighbour in search of opportunities. "There were no opportunities in Hong Kong at the time," Mr Sunderland said. "Hong Kong's hospitality sector is now regaining growth, but some people in the industry are still looking to Macau because of its easier pace." Despite the opportunities Macau offers, salaries still do not compete with Hong Kong. "We are not seeing expat-type wages in Macau for Hong Kong staff," Mr Sunderland said. "However, rentals and everything else are still relatively low. And it's definitely not a hardship posting." from www.classifiedpost.com

Online job opportunity VENETIAN MACAU LIMITED

2005-10-28T12:10:00.000+08:00

The following job opportunity from www.classifiedpost.com. Company Name: VENETIAN MACAU LIMITED Job Title: Director of IT Sands Job Description: - Provides direction, strategy and manages IT operations and infrastructure
- Manages third parties contracts and oversees overall maintenance services
- Establishes, plans and administers the department policies and procedures to ensure Sarbanes Oxley compliance
- Manage budget and resources to support the business initiatives and operations
- 8+ years of IT management experience is required
- Knowledge of Gaming, Hospitality, Food and Beverage business operations a big plus
- Familiar with IT processes, polices and procedures
- Able to perform people, process and performance management
- Able to analyze, prioritize and solve problems in a service driven organization
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Station in Macau View this job opportunity online
For an easy way to search and apply for thousands of jobs, visit www.classifiedpost.com now! ------------------------------------------------------------

Fwd: Macau Business

2005-10-23T23:08:00.000+08:00

Keeping China out of focus Asia Times Fri, 21 Oct 2005 4:15 AM PDT As China's role in the global economy expands, books and articles about Middle Kingdom rivals are flying off the assembly line as fast as toys and tank tops for export.

Look before you leap The Age Thu, 20 Oct 2005 2:00 PM PDT Gaining entry to the Chinese market is becoming easier for Australian companies, but there are still some perils for the unprepared, writes Tony Kaye.

San Agustin in Paoay

2005-10-18T19:03:00.000+08:00

San Agustin-Paoay-1, originally uploaded by WideEyed.

Saw this picture. A great photo of the Baroque San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, northern Philippines - one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites

Mt Pinatubo Slideshow 2

2005-10-18T12:21:00.000+08:00

great stuff from webdev.yuan.cc

Slideshow -- Mt. Pinatubo Philippines

2005-10-18T11:30:00.000+08:00

A new slideshow on Mt. Pinatubo - experimental - and thanks to Oggie Mt Pinatubo Slideshow Uploaded on September 13, 2005
by Oggie Poggie

Beautiful photos of Batanes Island by Stanley

2005-10-17T18:57:00.000+08:00

Slideshow -- www.flickr.com/photos/estan/

Macau November Calendar

2005-10-17T17:36:00.000+08:00

was testing making a calendar for people to download. click on the link above to see the cool application. enjoy... now I am thinking of making a contest on this :-)

Only on Philippine soil ... Tam-is ... tinuod man!

2005-10-13T18:36:00.000+08:00

Hey, the best mangoes are from the Philippines!

Only on Philippine soil ... Tam-is ... tinuod man!, originally uploaded by knoell.

Philippines' Subic FREEPORT Tourist Destination

2005-10-08T17:35:00.000+08:00

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) along with locators/members of the Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB) took active role in marketing Subic Bay as a prime tourist destination by linking up with travel agents during the annual Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on its 16th year held at SM Megamall here last weekend. SBMA joined around 128 exhibitors from all over the nation in marketing off the tourism industry, with an aim to highlight the Subic Freeport not only as an industrial zone but also as a tourist haven. The Freeport offers more than the usual attractions with its diverse flora and fauna. Among the must-visit places here are the Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Safari, Gubat Learning Center, Butterfly Garden, the lust green forest and trails and other similar eco-tourism features. (PNA)" Philippines' Subic FREEPORT Promoted As Tourist Destination - Yahoo! Australia & NZ News:

Singing Christmas Carols in December

2005-09-29T08:36:00.000+08:00

Christmas season in the Philippines is highly anticipated by school-age children as an open season to singing Christmas carols and earn extra money each night with their friends by standing in every one’s front doors. Adults love hearing children sing Christmas carols simply because Christmas is here, a time for joy, a time for merriment, a time for renewal of virtues for peaceful happier and prosperous life. Virtuous way of life is exulted through Christian melodies of songs and sounds.

Cool Mountain Vacations

2005-09-25T17:32:00.000+08:00

Witness the vast expanse of nature's splendor under the spell of cool mountain breeze. A perfect setting for romance or nature tripping, the country's mountain villages serve as a perfect hideaway from the lowlands' summer heat. Rising 1,500 meters above the sea, Baguio City enjoys a relatively cool weather throughout the year. Baguio is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the lowlands thus becoming the "summer capital" of the country. With an altitude of 225 meters above sea level, Tagaytay City enjoys a cool climate all year round and its just some 56 kilometers south of Manila. A pastoral upland valley, Sagada provides an endless expanse of mountain ranges which are clothed by fogs in the early morning. Another popular destination, specially during the Lent period, is Mount Banahaw, an extinct volcano which rises 2,100 meters above sea level.

Philippines top diving scuba vacation destinations

2005-09-25T17:11:00.000+08:00

The best scuba diving vacation destinations in the Philippines are located in Subic bay, Anilao Batangas, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Boracay in Panay Negros, Mactan, Malapascua and Moalboal in Cebu, Panglao and Balicasag in Bohol, Bacuit Bay or El Nido and Coron Bay in Palawan. The dive industry here is well run and there is no shortage of great and diverse dive destinations to choose from. Philippines diving scuba vacation sites

Island Vacation in the Philippines - Destination and Vacations Guide

2005-09-25T17:09:00.000+08:00

7,107 Island Vacations The Philippines has 7,107 islands ready for your island vacation plans. The coastal and beach zones of the Philippines are composed of 11,000 square kilometers of land and 267,000 square kilometers of coastal waters, many of them featuring pristine beaches. The three major island groupings are Luzon (7 regions, 38 provinces), Visayas (3 regions, 16 provinces), and Mindanao (6 regions, 25 provinces). Luzon, with a total land area of 104,688 square kilometers is the world's 17th largest island (excluding continental masses of lands). Listed as the 19th largest island is Mindanao, with a land area of 94,631 square kilometers." Island Vacation in the Philippines - Destination and Vacations Guide

2005-09-23T21:29:00.000+08:00

Soft opening for the Fisherman's Wharf is scheduled this month. Just in time for the Formula 3 racing?

2005-09-23T21:27:00.000+08:00

Soon it is F3 racing time again ....

Asia's minstrels light up the Magic Kingdom

2005-09-19T10:20:00.000+08:00

THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE ON earth have found fertile ground in the happiest place on earth. Filipinos, working either as talents, bartenders, park attendants or management executives, are among the 5,000 or so cast members helping create magic in the newly opened Hong Kong Disneyland in HK's verdant Lantau Island. One of the most prominent Pinoy executives is Bobby Garcia, erstwhile resident director of Atlantis Productions and now the show director of the Disney theme park. As such, he is creatively in charge of all live entertainment in the park, from Broadway-style shows such as 'The Golden Mickeys,' the daily afternoon parades down Main Street, to the general atmosphere of the resort. Another Filipino who is thriving in the Magic Kingdom is Wendy Panganiban, a former Ballet Philippines dancer who moved to HK Ballet. The HK Disneyland auditions proved to be her second wind. She auditioned in January this year, and by June she was rehearsing with the cast of "The Festival of the Lion King," a spectacular, 45-minute Broadway-style show which was making its debut in HK Disneyland. Her part: the mythical spirit bird that soars across the theater as Simba and Nala sing "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." The show is headlined by African-Americans, but its two dance captains are Filipino: Panganiban herself, and Jaime del Prado (of Trumpets and Repertory Philippines). There are 20 other Pinoys in the ensemble, mostly products of dance companies in Manila. Working with Disney has been a very rewarding experience, says Panganiban. "They're very easy to work with, and they take good care of their staff. They always think of my safety first. Everything is computerized in our show, and if the winch [the device connected to her harness] is off by a few seconds, they won't let me fly." A bigger show in terms of showcasing Filipino talent is "The Golden Mickeys," a 30-minute awards-style pageant that celebrates Disney's most memorable films, songs and characters. It goes onstage several times a day at the Storybook Theater in Fantasyland. Here, nearly all the major vocal parts are played by Filipino performers. "The exodus of Filipino talents to Disneyland can do nothing but good for us," says Garcia. "It will allow others back home to shine, while we here will go back with new experiences. More than anything, the quality we look for in a Disney cast member is joy in telling a story. And we Filipinos understand this very well." More .... Asia's minstrels light up the Magic Kingdom - INQ7.net: "Magic Kingdom

'Travel in Light': Satisfy the senses and the soul - INQ7.net

2005-09-19T09:58:00.000+08:00

ENRICH your travel experience. Explore the outer world as you discover the world within. Make every step of your journey a leap of faith. Over coffee and brunch on this relaxed weekend morning, Ureta, author and publisher of the recently launched travel anthology, “A Pilgrim’s Diary: Passages and Inner Landscapes,” will lead participants in an engaging discussion on how traveling can be an activity for spiritual growth and “globalizing the mind. “Traveling, for me, is a never-ending source of unfamiliar joy and this book is its celebration,” says Ureta. “Traveling alone gives you a different perspective of life. There is magic in solitude. When I travel by myself to a distant place, I realize that discovery and transformation are indistinguishable gifts that always come in pairs -- and this is something I’d like to share with fellow travel bugs. more from inq7

A1 Hong Kong Travel Guide

2005-09-17T09:36:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Hong Kong, city of life, and one of the most energetic places in the world. This hustle and bustle affects everyone when they arrive in Hong Kong. It is rush hour before you even clear customs. A motley crew of fishing junks and an assortment of paddy fields blossomed into one of the major cities of the Far East, in only a few generations. Today Hong Kong harbour bristles with sky-scraping success, and even with the economic wobbles since the 1997 handover the skyline changes noticeably every year.

Hong Kong Sights and Landmarks

Hong Kong can be one of the most riveting and unexpectedly beautiful urban spectacles on earth. A two-minute walk from the bustle of Central reveals a harbour view that the architectural boom of the 1980s and 1990s.

Travel Guide to Hong Kong islands

Hong Kong is a popular tourist destination as well as being one of the world’s major business centres and comprises Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and the many Outlying Islands.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is a theme park at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Nestled on a bay against a backdrop of green hills on Lantau Island in the South China Sea, the 310-acre park is 10 minutes by light rail from the international airport and 24 minutes from Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Shopping

If Hong Kong is the ‘City of Life’, then life is a mall. There can be few places with more ships per square metre than Hong Kong &ndash because shops are everywhere. For years Hong Kong was is still is the major spot for shopaholics. The prime shopping areas are bedlam at weekends and merely chaotic during the rest of the week.

Hong Kong Hotels and Accommodation

The hotels themselves are a reflection of Hong Kong – modern, compact, energetic and efficient – with service just a bit too rushed. Expect staff to be hurried and doing several things at once. Hong Kong Disneyland Park isn't the only star on the scene for vacation-minded families in Asia. The magical theme park -- Disney's first-ever in China -- comes with its own supporting cast of two magnificently-themed hotels -- Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel.

Hong Kong Street Maps

From premier online map store; interactive Hong Kong maps; useful information on aspects like shopping, dining and transport; great source of local information as well as a variety of sightseeing opportunities; popular online digital map of Hong Kong; basic geographic facts; and political map, comprehensive data, and flag from the CIA World Factbook.

Hong Kong Food and Dining

When it comes to restaurants little needs to be said – the dining is predictably excellent. Yet it can also be very cheap and whatever your budget the food is good. The Cantonese may be a tolerant bunch but not when it comes to poor cuisine. Hotel restaurants are right up there, their menus bulging with world-class culinary indulgences.

Hong Kong Weather

Hong Kong is a place that loses nothing with the seasons, but it can get uncomfortably humid in the summer months, and the monsoons between July and September can put a damper on things. September through April is the time to come although it can get a tad chilly in January and February.

Hong Kong Festivals and Public Holidays

A festival in Hong Kong is a major event on a scale hardly understood in the West. During Chinese New Year festivities, there is total disruption of everyday life.

China travel information

For those wanting to proceed to Mainland China we provide the following China travel information. From visas, customs, GMT + 8 hours, Renminbi (RMB) or Yuan; tipping is not standard practice in China; official language is Mandarin Chinese; English is not widely spoken; international dialing code for China is 86; etc

A1A Philippine Vacation Guide

2005-09-17T09:19:00.001+08:00

A One Philippine Travel Vacation Guide

More than 7,000 islands offer you over 70 times 7 reasons to be exited and happy about in your Philippine travel vacation.

Whatever motivates you – sun-drenching in white beaches, snorkeling underwater, hiking cliffs and valleys, climbing mountains and volcanoes, trailing rivers and waterfalls, seeing wild games in the forest – Philippine travel has more than you can expect beyond food and entertainment.

Immersed in 400 years of colorful European heritage, enriched with cross-cultural ties with Chinese and Malays and emerged with American influence, the country of 80 million strikes a wonderful balance with moral and cultural exquisites – and skin colors.

In the middle of the sea or in the middle of nowhere, or along the deep, the shores or the mountains, in the middle of cities and towns, there’s a lot of activities for education and adventure, fun and relaxation.

How far you can go, there’s always a value for your budget. Always there is a place to find an answer, and also much much more - in the shopping malls. Give it a shot. The Philippines is a place you can easily call home sweet home.

Travel Philippine News Link

Get your favourite Philippine News from here. Real time Philippine News Links and Feeds. And links to several major Philippine NewsPapers and many regional online news.

Philippine Beach Vacations Travel

Over 7,000 islands, powerful waves of the Pacific, crystal waters of the China Sea, serene shallow waters of the inland seas. Hills, valleys and mountains.

Of every feature, of every beauty, of every finest white sand, is a single purpose – a fantastic beach vacation!

The Philippines is the world’s beach vacation capital in Asia’s side of the earth!

Philippine Scuba Diving Vacations

In the snowy hinterlands of Switzerland, they make the best chocolate the world has ever known. Better than skiing?

In the Philippines they only make the very best they could!

Philippine Travel Scuba Diving Vacations.

Philippine Mountain Climbing Vacations Trekking and Hiking Travel

Only through hiking and trekking vacations can bring you places where crystal rivers plunge over water falls and and meet ancient tribesmen living in pristine forest sanctuaries.

Enjoy the panorama of cliffs that tower above crashing ocean surfs, virgin forests, cold moutain rivers, mossy jungles, and cloudy mountain ridges.
Join hiking and trekking vacations to experience the natural high of conquering the heights of Mt. Apo and the eerie moonscape of Mt. Pinatubo.

Cultural Heritage Vacations Philippine Travel

From the marvelous wilderness in marine eco-system of the Tubbataha Reef Heritage in the island of Palawan to the breathtaking wonders of the five major rice terraces of Ifugao Heritage atop the Mountain Province.

Philippine Baroque Churches

From Vigan's artistic fusion of Asian design and construction with that of European colonial heritage; to the Philippine churches’ interesting blend and adaptation with that of Baroque architecture.

Philippine EcoTourism Travel Guide

Experience living in wildlife safari with giraffes, zebras, deer peacocks, impalas and other games in a forested wonderland of Calauit Island. Venture to the southern tip of Luzon and exhilarate at the breathtaking sights of whales emerging from the deep.

Plunge into these waters and interact with gentle giants of the ocean as they return home to the teeming submarine fauna of Donsol Sorsogon. Walk into the Crocodile Park and feed these meat hungry reptiles.

Meet eye to eye with the world’s smallest monkey with nocturnal big round eyes. Hear the songs of birds and marvel at their rich variety, amazing colors, and impressive behaviors - the Philippine Eagle, the kakatoe, the Indonesian parrots and other exotic birds.

All these remarkable travels will turn your vacation into a wholesome adventure.The game preserve and wildlife sanctuary on Calauit Island. Whale shark watching in Donsol, Sorsogon. The smallest monkey in the world. Crocodile Park, Philippine sea eagle to kakatoe and Indonesian parrots.

Philippine Travel Information

You will certainly need a valid passport and onward/return ticket or proof of funds such as credit cards. Find out more.

Macau Roadshow in Manila Philippines

2005-09-12T12:34:00.000+08:00

Recently, the Macau Government Tourist Office-Philippines hosted Macau Week featuring a trade exhibit and food festival. At the food festival, three chefs from Macau's famed tourism school, Instituto de Formacao Turistico (IFT), were flown in. They regaled the guests with authentic Macanese delights including Salad of Pig's Ear with Coriander; Bacalhau or Portuguese cod, Caldo Verde - Potato and Kale Soup; African Chicken; and the famed Portuguese Egg Tartlets, washed down with an array of Portuguese wines. A former Portuguese colony and now a Special Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, Macau enjoys cookery that is an amalgam of the tastes of the mother country as well as of Portugal's former colonies in India and Africa, among others. At the crossroads of seafaring traders from Europe and China, the island enclave inevitably incorporated the spices, herbs and vegetables of the Old World and Asia into what has become its unique cuisine today. The Macau Roadshow featured an interactive exhibit of the varied attractions of Macau and its islands of Taipa and Coloane. Guests enjoyed samplings of delicacies, such as almond cookies, egg tartlets, soy bean curd and wine while artisans demonstrated different arts and crafts. Film showings and performances of the 24-member Macau Dance Troupe were held at regular intervals, attracting even more crowds. More from INQ7

Hong Kong Disneyland's Tech Tricks behind the Show

2005-09-12T11:06:00.000+08:00

The uniqueness of Hong Kong Disneyland is in the technology of its rides, according to Walt Disney creative development vice president Tom Morris. He thinks that Hong Kong Disneyland is not comparatively small but it benefits a lot from new technology. Space Mountain is the safest, fastest and smoothest rollercoaster ride anywhere, Morris said, with the latest sound and visual effects. Hong Kong Disneyland boasts the most sophisticated computer-aided system compared with Walt Disney's five other theme parks. Step into the indoor rollercoaster and you'll hear the sound is so clear. Space Mountain is however not the most exciting rollercoaster in the territory - but it is second to some of the heart- stopping attractions at rival Ocean Park. Complicated technology, however, leads to more breakdowns. Reports say that the most tech-savvy rides - Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear and Winnie the Pooh - are having frequent "incidents". Space Mountain still had problems during its last dry run Sunday morning. Other attractions rely on more tried-and-tested technology. In the three- dimensional animated film attraction, Mickey's PhilharMagic, characters including the Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and the Lion King leap into the audience with the aid of 3-D "opera glasses"; worn by patrons - which were popular for a time in the late 1950s. And when a baked cake appears on the screen, the audience also smells it. Shots of the ocean are accompanied by sprays of water. The effects are generated by special boxes installed in front of the seats, senior Disney show writer Dave Fisher said.

But,of course, you don't think about the technology when you are enjoying the experience. The main feature of Hong Kong Disneyland is its park design. The trees are unique to a Disney park and are from Thailand, the Philippines and Cambodia.

Hong Kong Travel Guide

2005-09-10T21:58:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong Travel Guide Welcome to Hong Kong, city of life, and one of the most energetic places in the world. This hustle and bustle affects everyone when they arrive in Hong Kong. It is rush hour before you even clear customs. Hong Kong Travel Guide: "

Macau Movie and Virtual Tours

2005-09-09T12:31:00.000+08:00

If you cannot come to Macau (yet) then let Macau come to you. Here we present a virtual tour de force of Macau. Movies and Quicktime VR. Check out our Macau Tower Skywalk or our Macau Tower Mast Climb

Macau Yearbook 2004

2005-09-08T11:26:00.000+08:00

"Macao Yearbook 2004" is an annual publication by the Government Information Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). Year by year, it outlines major events, details of progress achieved, and changes made in the course of Macao's political, economic, social and cultural development. The Macao Yearbook has been published annually since 2002, with the aim of promoting Macao and providing detailed information and data for all who wish to study and understand Macao. The 568-page "Macao Yearbook 2004" is divided into five sections: Administrative Priorities of the MSAR Government in 2003; Calendar of Events in 2003; Review of the MSAR in 2003; Overview of the Macao SAR; and Appendices. In this edition, the Review of the MSAR in 2003 records all the major developments and changes in administrative, legislative and judicial areas in Macao during the year. The Overview of the MSAR continues to provide a source of data and information covering the political and administrative system; the legal and judicial system; external relations; the economy; tourism; public order; education; culture and sport; health and social welfare; media, communications and information technology; land, infrastructure, housing and public utilities; transport; geography, environment and population; religion and customs; and history. To cater for the community's needs, coverage of the gaming industry has been suitably extended and now forms a separate chapter from the overview of the economy. In general, the Overview of the MSAR emphasises the presentation of information in a systematic and integrated manner. To highlight the city's development, the MSAR Government Information Bureau jointly organised a photography competition, entitled "New Faces of Macao", with eight local photography organisations in early 2004. This Yearbook is enhanced with more than 30 winning photographs from the competition. "Macao Yearbook 2004" is separately published in Chinese, Portuguese and English. The book retails at a price of just 120 patacas/Hong Kong dollars. In Macao, the three different language editions of "Macao Yearbook 2004" are on sale at the Macau Cultural Plaza, Sing Kwong Bookshop, the Portuguese Bookshop (Livraria Portuguesa), Wan Tat Bookshop, Elite Bookstore, One Bookshop, and Universal Bookshop, as well as at the Philatelic Division and following branches of the Macao Post Office (Macao Post): Rua do Campo, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, Macao International Airport, Nova Taipa. In addition, "Macao Yearbook 2004" can also be purchased at the Government Printing Bureau and its outlet at the Public Administrative Building on Rua do Campo. In Hong Kong, the three separate language editions of Macao Yearbook 2004 are on sale at the Commercial Press (HK) Ltd bookshops the Cosmos Books Ltd. A 20% discount will be given on any purchase of "Macao Yearbook 2004", meanwhile, purchase of "Macao Yearbook 2003" and "Macao Yearbook 2002" will be given a 50% discount during the period between 13 November 2004 and 31 March 2005. Overseas subscribers who are interested in the Yearbook can buy the publication through Macao Post. The Government Information Bureau has signed a sales agreement with Macao Post that handles overseas orders. Subscribers can pay for the Yearbook by credit card. Macao Post will charge postage fees. Subscribers can know more details of the subscriptions by telephone at (853) 329490, by fax at (853) 3968603 or by e-mail to: mpost8@macau.ctm.net.

Wynn Resort Macau to hire 4,000 employees

2005-09-05T19:17:00.000+08:00

As reported by Xinhuanet Macau's scorching gaming business is keeping booming, as the latest official statistics showed that this year's gambling revenue reached 29.8 billion patacas (US$3.73 billion) by August, a year-on-year rise of 14 percent. "On the casino gold rush, international hands are seeking more play. "The Las Vegas gaming giant Wynn Resort Tuesday vowed to hire some 4,000 employees for its Macau project. "…What is bolting the international tycoons' confidence? "Macau's gaming sector last year saw a total revenue of five billion US dollars, up 40 percent over the 2003, and only a shade behind Las Vegas' 5.2 billion. "Behind the rocketing jump is a growing stream of visitors from the Chinese mainland, as mainlanders arrivals more than doubled between 2002 and 2004…"

Promoting the Philippines As Health Destination

2005-09-05T19:16:00.000+08:00

Monday September 5, Dept Of Tourism Promotes Philippines As Health Destination MANILA, Sept 5 Asia Pulse - The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) recently joined the biggest travel show in Hong Kong to further boost promotion of the Philippines as a health and wellness destination. The annual International Tourism Expo (ITE), now on its 19th year, has always been a perfect venue for travel suppliers from all over the world to meet with Asian exhibitors and hosted buyers worldwide. The Philippines carried its latest banner slogan WOW Philippines More that the Usual Feel Good, Look Good. 'The DOT is pushing an aggressive campaign with the private sector to develop the country as a health and wellness holiday destination,' said Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano. Some 22 representatives from the countrys travel industry, mostly those catering to health and wellness tourists, participated in the event. A large number of visitors flocked the 36-square-meter joint booth of the DOT and Philippine Airlines, which highlighted the controlling theme of Filipino style of hearty living of the mind, body and soul. During the event, the DOT organized travel seminars and a presentation of the 'Traditional Filipino Healing Modalities' as a unique Philippine spa experience. Demonstration on 'hilot', a hand-massage and 'dagdagay', a foot massage using two sticks and exotic island concoctions of the Philippine virgin coconut oil, were also done. Hailed as the hub for Asian outbound buyers and international sellers for 19 years, the expo was supported by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), the Hong Kong tourism Board (HKTB), Macau Government Tourism Office and other tourism bureaus and trade associations. (PNA)"

‘LUTONG MACAU’ A taste of Macanese delights

2005-09-05T19:14:00.000+08:00

:: Welcome to Manila Bulletin Online :: ‘LUTONG MACAU’ A taste of Macanese delights By LAI SUAREZ–REYES When a Macanese invites you for lunch, don’t show up at 12 noon... that’s too early! Lunchtime in Macau starts at 1 p.m., and surprisingly this was observed during the media launch of the “Macau Food Festival” at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. Well, the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) Philippines had good reasons to keep their guests in waiting. For one, the Macanese culinary delights (which taste so good) were whipped up fresh by chefs Chon Kin Kei, Wong Man Su and David Wong of the Macau Institute of Tourism Studies. "These culinary geniuses are in Manila to give Filipinos a ‘taste’ of Macau," said Narz Lim, MGTO Phils. general manager, while digging into chef David’s salad with pig’s ear and coriander. This dish is of Portuguese origin and very popular in Macau. "The dressing is made of fresh lemons marinated in salt for over a month (then washed off and finely chopped) with extra virgin olive oil," explained chef David. There are three distinct cuisines in the former Portuguese colony — Chinese, Macanese and Portuguese. The Chinese cuisine is pretty much as we know it although it tends to be spicy, mostly likely influenced by flavors and spices common to Portuguese dishes. Macau’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Portugal, having been its colony for many centuries before it became a Special Autonomous Region in 1999 of the People’s Republic of China. According to chef David, a signature Macanese dish is the Caldo Verde. The thick green broth, which is made of pureed potatoes and kale, gets its distinct flavor from the Portuguese chorizo. "This soup is served in practically all restaurants in Macau," noted chef David. Another popular appetizer is the deep–fried bacalhau balls... salted codfish with potatoes, corriander, and other spices. "We brought in pints of Portuguese chorizo and 50 kilos of Bacalhau from Macau especially for this food festival," he relates. Main course is the flavorful African Chicken. This dish betrays its inspiration, lavished with plenty of herbs and spices from Mozambique and Angola. A fresh spring chicken is marinated in coconut juice, herbs and spices and grilled to perfection. This dish is best relished with Portuguese wines. "The famous wines of Portugal, widely found and enjoyed in Macau, will be served during the Macau Food Festival," says Thomas Naegeli, F&B director of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. Portuguese egg tartlets capped our meal. The small, round flaky pastry tart filled with a sweet egg cream is simply irresistible. You too can have a taste of Macau as Edsa Shangri-La Hotel lays out an array of superb culinary specialties for lunch and dinner for the "Macau Food Festival" on Sept. 2 to 8, at the Garden Cafe. The celebration carries on to the atrium at the Shangri-La Plaza, Sept. 24, where a Macau Roadshow unfolds, to afford visitors a closer look at the sights, sounds and tastes of Macau. There will be film showings, performances of the 24-member Macau Dance Troupe, artisans demonstrating various arts and crafts, and free samplings of Macanese delicacies (recipes below) and wines. BAKED CRAB MEAT IN SHELL Ingredients: 1.2kg crab meat 350g onion 4 pcs sliced ham 420g mushroom 40g red pimentos 25g butter 700ml Bechamel sauce 4 pcs egg cheese bread crumb salt and pepper to taste Procedure: Separate crab meat from shell. Clean the crab meat and boil together with ginger, onion, bay leaf and lemon. Coarsely chop onion, garlic, ham, mushroom and red pimentos. Sautee the chopped veggies and then add crab meat to fry, put in salt, pepper and cheese, stir until cheese dissolve. Pour in Bechamel sauce to mix. Portion the mixture onto a crab shell, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with bread crumb and cheese. Put in the oven and bake until golden brown.

The beauty of (Philippine) beaches and hills

2005-09-05T10:52:00.000+08:00

Saturday, September 03, 2005 The beauty of beaches and hills (Last of two parts) WHILE most beaches around Metro Manila may not be as pristine as their counterparts in the southern islands, nevertheless they offer the important advantage of being located just within two hours' drive from the city. Many of these tourist attractions are part of the coastlines of the Cavite and Batangas, two provinces which together with Laguna, Rizal and Quezon form the Calabarzon, rapidly emerging as one of the country's prime industrial area. If you are in the export-import business in particular, chances are you will be visiting this economic zone and you can take make the most of the trip by driving just a few miles further to experience the sea and sand. One of Cavite's top beach resorts is the Puerto Azul Beach Hotel. Located about one and a half hours' drive from Manila, the hotel is surrounded by various sports and recreational facilities of the adjacent country club that includes a tournament class 18-hole golf course. As part of the Grand Hotels group which includes Manila's Philippine Village airport hotel and the Grand Boulevard Hotel on Roxas Boulevard, convenient shuttle services are offered to and from Puerto Azul and the Manila properties. Tour packages are also available. If you go further along the coast, you will soon reach the Caylabne Bay Resort. The resort has an all-suite hotel spread out over seven hillside structures with only two suites on every floor for maximum space, privacy and convenience. Selected suites boast of sun decks with private jacuzzis that enable guests to enjoy the whirlpools while gazing at a spectacular view of the bay. Children are a high priority at Caylabne where specially prepared activities like puppet shows and sand castle building are part of the itinerary for kids from ages four to 12-a perfect excuse for parents who wish to get away from their offspring for a few hours. If you rather see a diver's kingdom, Batangas is the better option. Like Cavite, various resorts dot Batangas' coastline and finding one that meets your budgets is not a problem. An hour and 45 minutes travel time will lead you to the Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel, one of the most popular and reasonably priced resorts in the area. The resort's main attraction is lunch on a bamboo raft right on the waters. Calatagans' famous beach resort, Punta Baluarte, has made a comeback. The new owners promise to restore its former glory, which at its heyday has even surpassed Puerto Azul's fame. Like the Cavite resort, it is built into tiers along the mountain side and also offers a jeepney shuttle service to go around the resort area. The town of Nasugbu is home and jump off point to several white sand beaches. Visitors usually park their vehicles for a nominal fee at the Wawa port to take a 20-minute banca ride to excellent resorts like White Sands, Maya-Maya, Munting Buhangin and other island coves. Accommodation ranges from simple picnic huts to bamboo cottages complete with bedding and modern plumbing. Be prepared to get soaked when traveling to these resorts. Not all boats can dock right on the sand (especially diving high tide) and thus you may need to wade anywhere from ankle-to waist-deep waters to reach the shore. It is also wise to keep your valuables and dry clothing in a waterproof bag. If you are not planning to stay for the night, don't forget to make pick-up time arrangements with the boatman. In Batangas, Anilao is synonymous for diving haunts. Vistamar is one of its first-class dive resorts that rent out equipment and hold diving instructions classes. Nearer the northernmost part of Luzon and at least an hour's plane ride from Manila, a long stretch of coastline marks the west side of Ilocandia region. The black sands are reputed to have therapeutic effects on the skin and resorts like Agoo Playa and Cresta del Mar usually encourage guests to literally get buried neck-deep in the fine grains. Towards southern Luzon, the islands of Mindoro and Palawan are also favorite haunts for beach bums. There are several resorts offers rooms and amenities that suit every budget. In Mindoro's Puerto Galera beach front, Coco Beach stands out as the most luxurious. It equivalent in Palawan are El Nido on Miniloc island and Club Paradise in northern Palawan. Both are still largely unspoiled. You need not go father than Cebu's international Mactan airport to see the beach. Just a few minutes away is the Shangri-La Mactan Island Hotel, which combines five-star accommodation with beach amenities. Nearby is the Argao Beach Club, which offers almost every conceivable water sport equipment, even down to a glass bottomed boat for viewing the sea's riches without getting your feet wet. Also on Mactan Island are the Mary Cielo Resort and the Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, which also offer comprehensive aqua sport and recreational facilities. Southwest of Cebu city is the Green Island Golf and Beach Resort. The amenities are of international standards and golf enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the 18-hole par 72 course. Perhaps the most famous beach destination in these parts of the archipelago is Boracay Island. It has been dubbed as one of the best beaches in the world and justifiably so. The water is so clear and the white sand so fine that except for the seasonal crowd, the growing number of resort complexes and the reduced population of its seashells that once were scattered on the coast, Boracay today still offers the same raw natural beauty that has charmed the backpackers who have first discovered the island. If money is no object, Club Panoly Resort with its international standard facilities is well recommended. It is located on the northern tip of the island and offers more privacy that the other resorts which are located close to each other. Other reputable resorts include Fridays', Sandcastles, Cocomangas Beach, Laguna De Boracay, Lorenzo Beach, Mistral Beach, Marimar Boracay, Boracay Beach and Yacht Club, Pam Beach, Palomar, Paradise Garden, Paradise Lodge, Pearl of the Pacific, Pink Patio and red Coconut. Located closer to Panay Island, Boracay is as accessible from Iloilo, Manila or Cebu. If you must visit the island in January, be sure to book several months ahead as most locals are wont to combine their Boracay holidays with a stopover in the town of Kalibo in Aklan and join in the celebrations of its mardi gras-like fiesta called Ati-Atihan. From Iloilo City, you can take a bus to Caticlan. Take a ferry to upon reaching Caticlan. The trip takes five hours. Fast becoming a byword as a beach heaven is Mindanao's Dakak, which is a private resort village. Coconut palms, exotic flowers, crystal clear waters and a dense forest carved with several hiking trails are part of its allures. As the name suggests, the Pearl Farm Beach Resort was once used to cultivate pearls. It has been renovated into a private retreat featuring unique Samal stilt houses for accommodations The Muslim motif is used liberally to add charm to the resort's offerings. (September 3, 2005 issue)

Popular Philippine Festivals and Fiesta

2005-09-03T18:49:00.000+08:00

The fiesta is part and parcel of Filipino culture. Through good times and bad times, the fiesta must go on. Each city and barrio has at least one local festival of its own, usually on the feast of its patron saint, so that there is always a fiesta going on somewhere in the country. But the biggest and most elaborate festival of all is Christmas, a season celebrated with all the pomp and pageantry the fun-loving Filipino can manage.

Macau Now a Haven for Portugal banks - from The Standard

2005-09-02T10:29:00.000+08:00

Friday, September 02, 2005 Portuguese banks are moving client accounts to Macau from the Atlantic Ocean islands of Madeira to keep them out of reach of prying European tax collectors. Ironically, the development comes just as Macau pares back the incentives it offers overseas companies to register in the SAR in response to protests from Hong Kong about lost tax revenue. Two of Portugal's four biggest banks, Caixa Geral de Depositos (CGD) and Banco Portugues de Investimentos (BPI), set up offshore branches in Macau this summer, according to official government gazette announcements. Within just 17 days of receiving approval to operate in Macau, the CGD branch had assets of 8.91 billion patacas (HK$8.65 billion). Time deposits made up 91 percent of its funds. CGD moved the money to Macau just on the eve of new EU regulations requiring European governments to exchange information about interest paid on savings in accounts controlled by EU citizens. The regulations are intended to help EU governments to snare citizens dodging taxes on interest income via offshore accounts. Portugal's other major banks, Banco Espirito Santo and Banco Comercial Portugues (BCP), already offered offshore banking services in Macau. BCP last month sold its three local subsidiaries to Dah Sing Banking Group of Hong Kong, but kept its offshore branch in Macau. CGD owns Banco Nacional Ultramarino, but previously didn't offer offshore services. The shift involves few staff. CGD has employed five people for its new branch and BPI is likely to have a similar number. Madeira fell within the scope of the new EU rules, which came into effect July 1, because the island group 860 kilometers due west of Casablanca, Morocco, remains under Portuguese sovereignty, unlike Macau, which returned to Chinese rule in 1999. Madeira's offshore tax incentive program came under heavy EU scrutiny in 2000, forcing the islands to suspend registry of new companies in 2001 and 2002 until agreement was reached allowing the program to resume for a few more years, but with banks excluded. The Macau government eliminated tax benefits for new offshore companies in several industries the same day it approved CGD's application. The change did not affect the eligibility of offshore bank branches.

Macau International Fireworks Display Contest

2005-09-02T10:22:00.000+08:00

3, 10, 18, 24 Sep & 1 Oct - 17th The firecracker industry used to be one of the three major industries of Macau, and makes the territory the ideal stage for its annual international fireworks display contest. The 17th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest features 10 teams - from Australia, Korea, the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, the Philippines, Portugal, Taiwan China, France and Mainland China. Japan and Taiwan China were the winners in 2004 and 2003 respectively, while the team from Mainland China was second-runner up in 2002. This year, participating teams will complement their displays with music to add a thrilling new dimension to this annual spectacle. Program 3rd Sep(Saturday)　21:00　Australia　22:00　Korea 10th Sep(Saturday)　21:00　United Kingdom　22:00　Japan 18th Sep(Sunday)　21:00　Spain　22:00　Philippines 24th Sep(Saturday)　21:00　Portugal　22:00　Taiwan, China 1st Oct(Saturday)　21:00　France　22:00　China Venue: Sea area in front of Macau Tower Free admission Time: 9:00 pm. & 10:00 p.m. Organizer: Macau Government Tourist Office Telephone enquiries: (853) 333 000 www.macautourism.gov.mo * Displays last approx. 18 minutes, with two displays per evening.

Fireworks + Music Festivals

2005-09-02T10:19:00.000+08:00

Friday, September 02, 2005 The 17th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest kicks off tomorrow with a twist: This year, competing teams can pump up their pyrotechnic shows with musical accompaniment. The 17th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest kicks off tomorrow with a twist: This year, competing teams can pump up their pyrotechnic shows with musical accompaniment. The Macau Government Tourist Office, the organizer, will set up speakers to broadcast the booming melodies at three popular viewing points near the Macau Tower and the Kwun Yam statute. The 10 teams will take turns over the next five weekends setting the skies alight, with two facing off each time. Japan will defend the championship it won last year on September 10. Spain will make its debut contest appearance on September 18. Each team will get 18 minutes to impress the judges. Fireworks aren't just for tourists, said tourist office spokeswoman Liz Lam, noting that firecracker production used to be a leading industry in Macau. She put this year's contest budget at 5.4 million patacas (HK$5.2 million). Each team receives US$17,500 (HK$136,000) as a subsidy and the winner gets an additional US$6,000.

Residential development ban on Cotai may not be absolute

2005-09-02T10:16:00.000+08:00

The ban on residential development on Cotai announced by Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau Director Jaime Carion last week may prove less absolute than implied. Zach Coleman Friday, September 02, 2005 The ban on residential development on Cotai announced by Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau Director Jaime Carion last week may prove less absolute than implied. Even at the time Carion announced the ban to Macau reporters, he cited with approval plans by Melco International Development and Publishing & Broadcasting to include 'apartment- style' hotel units within their HK$8 billion City of Dreams casino resort. Carion said Galaxy Casino's Cotai resort development plan also included acceptable apartment-style hotel rooms, but cited with approval revised development plans by eSun Holdings that omitted previously approved homes. The result has been confusion about what Macau will still allow in Cotai now that the area has been redesignated as a tourism and entertainment zone instead of a residential district as originally planned. It's an important question as revenue from apartment sales could provide a helpful funding source for casino resort developers and enable them to recoup their project development costs more quickly. 'At this time we are still trying to clarify what is going on,' said Bill Mok, chief financial officer of Hong Kong-listed Far East Consortium International. Far East plans to build a HK$2.8 billion complex with five hotels, a casino and a huge shopping mall as well as 33,260 square meters worth of serviced apartments. JPMorgan property analyst Raymond Ngai has projected the company will recoup HK$900 million from selling the apartments. Mok said: 'If they say no residential development at all, that will affect our project.' So far, that doesn't seem to be the case. Deutsche Bank gaming analyst Marc Falcone wrote in a research note that the residence ban 'does not apply to casino development projects as planned, and excludes timeshares, condo hotel projects and serviced apartments connected to major hotel developments... Second homes and resort developments would be permitted.' Carion's blessing is particularly important for the Melco-PBL joint venture. The JV plans to start pre-sales of 142,000 sq m worth of serviced apartment timeshares in mid-2006. Analyst Aaron Fischer of CLSA forecasts the sales will bring in HK$2.3 billion. Only shortly before Carion's speech, Las Vegas Sands announced it would include 600 serviced apartments with the Four Seasons hotel it is building in Cotai and more serviced apartments with two resorts it will build across the street. Shangri-La Asia chief executive Giovanni Angelini, whose company is negotiating to manage one of those two resorts, said last Friday that the prospective Shangri-La Macau would not include serviced apartments. A spokesman for Las Vegas Sands declined comment. Regal Hotels International Holdings executive director Poman Lo said the new policy would affect tentative company plans to allocate up to 10 percent of its HK$2 billion-plus Cotai resort for serviced apartments for expatriates. But she said this would not have a significant financial impact as the company will have sufficient revenue from other projects to fund its Macau venture. ESun told its shareholders in July that, despite its development plan revisions, it would still seek approval to build 30 detached houses on its Cotai site in a joint venture with sister company Lai Fung Holdings. Asked whether Carion's comments would scotch that move, eSun chief executive Mark Lee said he could not comment due to guidance from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. (from The Standard HK)

Gaming Business Booming

2005-09-02T10:13:00.000+08:00

As reported by Xinhuanet: 'Macau's scorching gaming business is keeping booming, as the latest official statistics showed that this year's gambling revenue reached 29.8 billion patacas (US$3.73 billion) by August, a year-on-year rise of 14 percent. 'On the casino gold rush, international hands are seeking more play. 'The Las Vegas gaming giant Wynn Resort Tuesday vowed to hire some 4,000 employees for its Macau project. '…What is bolting the international tycoons' confidence? 'Macau's gaming sector last year saw a total revenue of five billion US dollars, up 40 percent over the 2003, and only a shade behind Las Vegas' 5.2 billion. 'Behind the rocketing jump is a growing stream of visitors from the Chinese mainland, as mainlanders arrivals more than doubled between 2002 and 2004…'

Ticket sales for the 2005 East Asian Games went on sale today

2005-08-19T17:39:00.000+08:00

Ticket sales for the 2005 East Asian Games went on sale today. Some 15,817 seats are available in the Opening Ceremony, and 6,808 seats in the Closing Ceremony. Athletes participate in several events like swimming, basketball, bowling, boxing, football, gymnastics, handball, judo, soft tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu (martial arts).">Palm gambles on Macau | News.blog | CNET News.com: "Ticket sales for the 2005 East Asian Games went on sale today. Some 15,817 seats are available in the Opening Ceremony, and 6,808 seats in the Closing Ceremony. Athletes participate in several events like swimming, basketball, bowling, boxing, football, gymnastics, handball, judo, soft tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu (martial arts).

Sky jumping off the Macau Tower

2005-08-12T11:08:00.000+08:00

Macau Visitors are being offered the chance to jump 233 metres to the ground from the top of the Macau Tower. Beginning August 17, the 'Sky Jump', will give visitors the chance to fly through the air at 75 kilometres an hour for 20 seconds before decelerating to a safe landing speed. The attraction is expected to be the highest adventure of its kind and would attract thrill-seekers from across Asia. The jump will be 41 metres higher than the only other Sky Jump in the Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand. Jumpers will wear specially tailored suits that are connected to three cables with a strain capacity of 3 000 kilograms for absolute safety, the spokesperson said. The attraction is masterminded by AJ Hackett who began offering sky walks around the rim of the Macau Tower two years ago to increase the appeal of the new tower.

Ruins of Macau

2005-08-12T09:51:00.000+08:00

Ruins of Macau
Originally uploaded by Ola Macau!.

LJ International to Open Jewelry Super-Store in Macau

2005-08-10T10:45:00.000+08:00

Press Release Source: LJ International, Inc.

LJ International to Open Jewelry Super-Store in Macau

Retail Outlet at Leading Tourist Destination Is One of China's Largest

LJ International, Inc. (LJI) one of the fastest-growing jewelry companies in the world, today announced that it has been awarded the rights to open its largest retail outlet so far, an 8,000-square-foot store at the new Fisherman's Wharf development in Macau . The new ENZO store, a wholly-owned subsidiary of LJI, expects to be opened and fully operational this year.

LJI has been given a prime spot at this location, beating a number of well-known global brands. The Company expects the new super-store to have a substantial and early impact on revenue, possibly doubling or tripling the $80,000-per-month initial volume of its Shanghai Flagship Store. Given the competitive landscape and size of the store, LJI considers this opening as the single most significant event so far in the execution of its ENZO growth strategy in Greater China.

China's Entry into WTO Enables LJ International to Have First-Mover Advantage

The new store is the latest to be opened by LJI's ENZO division, which operates retail stores in mainland China, Hong Kong and, now, Macau. The stores, now numbering eight, include a flagship upscale store in Shanghai, a 5,000-square-foot showroom in Hong Kong, one other store in Shanghai, two stores in Beijing, one in Ningbo and one in Harbin. All offer LJI jewelry exclusively.

The new facility is located in one of Macau's newest and most popular tourist destinations, the Fisherman's Wharf. This project, Macau's biggest since it was handed over to the People's Republic of China in 1999 is co-developed by renowned magnate Dr. Stanley Ho and Mr. David Chow, current legislative member of Macau, with total investment anticipated to reach $320 million. It features restaurants, souvenir shops, a theme park and even a man-made volcano. .

''LJI's opening in Macau is a significant step forward and a sign of the company's growing reputation as a high-volume retailer," said Yu Chuan Yih, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LJ International. ''Under the guidance of Dr. Stanley Ho, Macau has grown into one of Asia's prime tourist and gaming destinations. We are especially gratified that LJI was chosen over many global jewelry retail giants for such a coveted site in a prime shopping area. We consider this a strong vote of confidence from Dr. Ho and Mr. Chow.''

Mr. Yih continued, ''It is notable that we won the right to operate the largest ewelry retailing operation at Fisherman's Wharf. That testifies not only to the quality of our products and the successful launch of the ENZO brand -- tested here against some of the most stringent competition in the world -- but also to the continuing success of our first-mover strategy in China. Since China's entry into the WTO, we have aggressively expanded in anticipation of the greatly expanded opportunities for retailing on our own and with key partners. The Macau store is the greatest such opportunity thus far.''

Macau: The Las Vegas of Asia

LJI is establishing a presence in Macau during an unprecedented tourism and building boom in the former Portuguese colony. The government of China is pursing a strategy of turning Macau into the gambling capital of Asia, and the effort has paid off in a surge of new hotel and casino building, along with a sharp rise in gaming revenue. During 2004, according to the Asia Times, Macau earned $5.4 billion from gaming, passing the Las Vegas Strip ($5.3 billion) as the world's largest gaming center.

At the same time, Macau has seen a surge in tourist activity that seems destined to keep growing. The 17-square-mile territory has only about 500,000 permanent residents, but the number of tourists visiting last year has been estimated at 30 to 40 times that, or from 15-20 million. And the potential for growth is enormous. As the (Las Vegas Sun has recently reported, some 100 million people live within a 3-hour drive of Macau and more than 1 billion are no more than a 3-hour flight away.

Most tourists have been coming from China for short stays, but developers are rapidly increasing hotel space to extend the stays and make Macau a more practical destination for people arriving from more distant locations. Also, the Macau government's decision in 2002 to end Dr. Stanley Ho's monopoly on gambling has drawn major players from Las Vegas and Hong Kong, including Wynn Resorts), Las Vegas Sands ) and the Hong Kong group K-Wah. The Sands Macau Casino has been open since May 2004, and Las Vegas Sands is building a new 3,000-room resort, Sands Macau Venetian Casino, due to open in 2007. Wynn Macau, a 600-room hotel, is under construction and due to open in Fall 2006.

A Breakthrough for LJI

With its duty-free history and established gold and jewelry retailing, Macau has long attracted jewelry shoppers, especially from China. The new gaming-driven tourist boom has enhanced the enclave's reputation and is greatly expanding the pool of potential customers for a jewelry firm such as LJI. The Company's new ENZO store is situated in the heart of shopper's Macau, in the new Fisherman's Wharf development Opened in 2004, Fisherman's Wharf is described by the 2005 Frommer's Hong Kong as ''the biggest and most conspicuous addition to Macau's shopping and entertainment scene,'' featuring ''shops, restaurants, bars, a disco, a manmade 'active' volcano, an amusement park, playground, hotels, and amphitheater.''

About LJ International

LJ International, Inc. (LJI), based in Hong Kong and the U.S., is engaged in designing, branding, marketing and distributing a full range of jewelry. It has built its global business, currently one of the fastest-growing in the jewelry industry, on a vertical integration strategy and an unwavering commitment to quality and service. LJI distributes to fine jewelers, department stores, national jewelry chains and electronic and specialty retailers throughout North America and Western Europe, with a growing retail presence in China through stores and e-shopping sites. Its product lines incorporate all major categories sought by major retailers, including earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets. It trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol JADE.

Forward looking statement: Except for the historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, factors relating to future sales. These forward-looking statements may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary significantly based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, uncertainties in product demand, the impact of competitive products and pricing, changing economic conditions around the world, release and sales of new products and other risk factors detailed in the company's most recent annual report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: LJ International, Inc.

The most expensive project ever built in the city of Cotai, Macau

2005-08-09T18:46:00.000+08:00

Reports are going the rounds that the blockbuster budget for the Venetian Macau casino resort in Cotai has climbed to US$ 2 billion and could go higher. Moreover, Sheldon Adelson announced he is seeking additional land for expansion. Venetian Macau will be the most expensive project in Cotai history. The Venetian will be the most expensive project ever built in the city, with a budget now topping that of the Macau International Airport by two-thirds. Las Vegas Sands announced this week to open the resort with 3,000 guestrooms, instead of holding off on half the rooms till later. Las Vegas Sands aims to open the Venetian Macau in late June 2007.

Job vacancies for Macau

2005-08-09T18:41:00.000+08:00

Just saw this in the UK. Might end Sept 8. So good luck to job hunters.... we need to fill the following positions which form the management teams for new projects... * Deputy Project Directors (Quote ref: PW/4898/DK) * Project Managers (Quote ref: PW/4890/DK) * Planning Managers (Quote ref: PW/4891/DK) * Construction / Package Managers (Quote ref: PW/4892/DK) * Commercial Managers (Quote ref: PW/4893/DK) * Senior Quantity Surveyors (Quote ref: PW/4894/DK) * Design Managers (Quote ref: PW/4895/DK) * QA Managers (Quote ref: PW/4896/DK) * M and E Managers (Quote ref: PW/4897/DK) more from UK

838 - a lucky number for total of new companies

2005-08-09T18:36:00.000+08:00

Macau has seen 838 companies newly incorporated in the second quarter, a year-on-year increase of 48. 6 percent, according to official statistics issued in Macau on Monday. The figures from the Statistics and Census Service showed that the total registered capital of the new companies recorded 227.36 million patacas (US$28.42 million). These newly incorporated companies were mostly in the wholesale and retail sectors (224), followed by the construction (185), real estate (156) and business services (132), the figures showed. Fifty-five companies, in the meanwhile, were dissolved in the second quarter, according to the statistics.

Mini Wedding

2005-08-07T10:42:00.000+08:00

Mini Wedding
Originally uploaded by Ola Macau!.

This Mini was used for a wedding at the Sao Taigo Fort Hotel.

Property bets follow casinos in Macau gold rush

2005-06-24T12:34:00.000+08:00

The way Macau property prices are soaring while rows of new apartment blocks stand nearly empty, investors could be forgiven for thinking that the mushrooming casino business is providing the gas for a property bubble. The former Portuguese enclave on China's southern tip has drawn speculative flows from Shanghai, which is being officially cooled after an explosion of real estate investment, and Hong Kong, where rising interest rates are starting to bite. Macau developers can still sell sparkling high-rise blocks in just a couple of weeks, but buyers are taking a big risk. There is hardly any rental market -- only around a tenth of new apartments are lived in. more from yahoo:

How the New Venetian Resort in Macau will look like

2005-06-24T12:30:00.000+08:00

The 10.6-million-square-foot, 3,000-room hotel and casino is being developed by Las Vegas Sands, and like the original, will feature replicas of Venice landmarks like the Doges Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and several famed palazzos. It will be roughly three times the size of the Vegas version. HKS principal Jeff Jensen, whose firm is designing the project along with Wilson and Company, says the complex will be, “like a Venetian on steroids.” The resort will include over 1,500 feet of retail-lined canal, which is three-times the length of the Vegas version. Its 500,000-square-feet of gaming is five times the area of the original, and the complex will also contain a 15,000-seat arena. Jensen says that his clients chose this tested theme instead of one of the modern designs that many Vegas developers are using. “We said, ‘why recreate the wheel?’" More:

TransGlobal Airways cargo airline based in China to infuse about $10 million in Philippine former Clark Air Base

2005-06-21T11:14:00.000+08:00

TransGlobal Airways, a cargo airline based in China, will infuse about $10 million worth of investments in the next five years for its operations at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. TransGlobal had already signed a deal to mount China-Clark-China twice weekly flights. Trans Global is expected to start operations next month with a maiden flight between Clark and Zhunai, China which is part of the highly industrialized Zhenzen Economic Zone near Macao and Hong Kong. The firm will be the third cargo airline that would operate in Clark. The first is United Parcel Services, which has made the Clark Aviation Complex its Intra Asia hub and the Royal Cargo which flies once a week in Clark. Trans Global will have a minimum P10 million in the first year of operations, increasing this to P540 mil-lion or $10 million in the next year five years. The contract also stipulated that the air cargo firm will build its own hangar inside the aviation complex to complement operations in Clark. TransGlobal will use Boeing 737-200 cargo planes in transporting goods to several key destinations in China. more from BusinessWorld:

Cotai Strip megaproject in Macau ranks as the biggest construction undertaking in Asia

2005-06-20T17:02:00.000+08:00

"Getting the timing right is a struggle, even for the most experienced of operators. Take Las Vegas Sands, the American gaming firm whose Cotai Strip megaproject in Macau ranks as the biggest construction undertaking in Asia since Hong Kong built its new airport in the 1990s. Last November, in the fine print of a filing with United States securities regulators, Las Vegas Sands said it expected to spend US$1.8 billion (HK$14 billion) - almost double its previous estimates - on the Venetian Macau, the anchor resort among the more than 20 casino hotels envisioned for the Cotai Strip. It also said the resort will open only in the first quarter of 2007, breaking the promise it made to the Macau government of a June 2006 completion. The first phase of the Cotai Strip project features the Venetian and six other resorts with more than 10,000 guest rooms, meeting and convention facilities, eight theaters able to seat more than 20,000 people and casinos that Las Vegas Sands says will be the most exciting Asia has ever seen." more:

Macau: Oriental gamble looks a sure-fire bet

2005-05-23T11:42:00.000+08:00

"GEOFF McCauley was at his desk one day in 2001 when an email from a Kenny Wynn, requesting a meeting, popped up on his computer. 'I thought to myself, 'I don't know anyone by that name',' said Mr McCauley, senior director of quantity surveying firm, WT Partnership. As it turned out, Mr Wynn had approached him on behalf of older brother Steve, the fabulously wealthy Las Vegas casino operator. Steve Wynn has a personal wealth of $US1.3 billion ($1.7 billion), according to Forbes's list of the 400 wealthiest Americans, and his company, Wynn Resorts, was bidding for one of three new licences in Macau, subsequently issued in 2002. Mr McCauley, then managing director of the firm's Hong Kong operation, met with Kenny Wynn, who literally appointed his firm on the spot to handle the procurement for its Macau project. Macau is going off. It grew so rapidly last year that the former Portuguese enclave surpassed the Las Vegas strip, according to UBS, with revenues totalling $US5.4 billion, to become the world's largest gaming market." more:

About China Telecom Industry Taking on the world

2005-05-23T11:32:00.000+08:00

"China Unicom in March began its foray into Macao. The firm received the first CDMA inter-regional licence issued in Macao.China Unicom (Macao) is bound by terms of the agreement to have the network up and running within six months in time for the East Asian Games, which will be held in October. Analysts believe Unicom's extensive experience in operating CDMA networks in the Chinese mainland helped it win the bid.'The deal was partly driven by the increasing business co-operation between the mainland and Macao,' says Zeng Jianqiu, a professor with Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications. He says he believes as more than 60 per cent of visitors to Macao are from the mainland, where Unicom is the sole CDMA service provider. Rumours have been swirling that China Unicom has been discussing the possible purchase of Companhia de Telecomunicacoes de Macao (CTM), Macao's leading telecommunications service provider. 'The purchase, if occurs, would be a strategic move for China Unicom in carrying out its overseas expansion,' Zeng says. He says he believes the country has already reached the post-WTO era, a time in which domestic market operators are encouraged to explore overseas business." Taking on the world

Macau Billionaire Stanley Ho to prolong life, of his wine, that is...

2005-05-23T10:25:00.000+08:00

French experts are recorking 500 bottles of vintage Bordeaux this week in the cellars of Macau casino boss Stanley Ho, a delicate operation designed to prolong its life. Some of Mr Ho's bottles of wine, worth $2,000 to $2,600 apiece, are already 44 years old. He bought the 1961 Chateau Palmer wine - a classic vintage - in 1997 through a London wine merchant, who acquired it from a Bordeaux wholesaler. The tycoon has it stashed beneath the Hotel Lisboa, the flagship of his gambling empire in the former Portuguese enclave. The Chateau Palmer vineyard in the Margaux region in south-west France is owned by 22 shareholders, who are all members of the Bordeaux wine aristocracy. It comprises just 52 hectares. The weather in 1961 was temperamental, resulting in the production of only 35,000 bottles - hardly a third of normal production. Thomas Duroux, the chateau's general manager, said: 'The 1961 vintage was of exceptional quality. 'It is one of the 20th century's classic vintages, along with those of 1900, 1928, 1945 ... '" more

16-percent year-on-year rise in salaries

2005-05-22T19:14:00.000+08:00

The latest figures released Saturday by the Macao Statistics and Census Bureau showed that the salary, in the first quarter, averaged 5,680 patacas per month (692 US dollars), up 16.35 percent year-on-year. Local economic analysts viewed that the SAR's economic growth boost by the establishment of a number of new casinos last year. The booming gaming industry has since attracted employees by high salaries. The monthly income of employees in the gaming business averaged 7,802 patacas (951 US dollars) in the first quarter, while in other economic sectors lower than 5,000 patacas (610 US dollars), the figures showed" more

Some MICE Business Ideas form Las Vegas Sands Expo

2005-05-21T09:59:00.000+08:00

Here is an interview of Richard Heller, president of the Sands Expo and Convention Center ... Richard Heller knows how to keep customers happy because he used to be one. Heller, president and general manager of the Sands Expo and Convention Center, formerly was vice president of trade show operations for the Needham, Mass.-based Interface Group, which owned the Comdex computer trade show. As the owner of Comdex, Heller knew what it took to keep the show coming back to Las Vegas year after year. Now, the head of the Sands Expo Center sees things from the other perspective, knowing that he has competition that can undercut him in the local market.... Example .... What is the Sands Expo Center doing to increase its share of shows? I don't know if I'd say increase. We look at our calendar out into the year and we see a hole and we target customers and we attempt to fill it. It's about relationships and people. You can spend a ton of money advertising, but if you survey our customers, they know who we are and they know where we are. We go out and visit our customers in their offices in their places of businesses and we talk about the virtues of Las Vegas first because you can't sell them on the destination of the Sands Expo and the Venetian unless you convince them that they want to come to Las Vegas first. If they're convinced on Vegas, now we need to sell them on us. It's a lot of work and it takes a lot of time. It's not a go-out-and-close-you tomorrow. It's a joke with our sales staff that if a $200 or a $500 fancy dinner could close a piece of business, I wouldn't need a sales staff. I'd fly around the country, I'd seek 22 customers, take them all to an expensive dinner and have a contract. It doesn't work that way. It's about time and relationships and trust that we're going to deliver on our promise and that they're going to be successful when they come here with us. In Business Las Vegas:

Tailors, Temples, Trishaws & Gambling in Macau

2005-05-20T09:26:00.000+08:00

Tailors, Temples & Trishaws in Macau Last month, seventeen intrepid women from San Francisco flew to Hong Kong, dropped their bags in Kowloon at the crack of dawn, and then promptly took the 45-minute ferry to Macau. Their destination? Nowhere close to Ho's twenty-five year-old flagship casino called Casino Lisboa or any place remotely related to gambling. Rather these women were on a mission to select fabrics from a tailor named Al who would not only duplicate the favorite garments they had brought with them from home, but who would hand deliver all of their newly-made suits, dresses, shorts, pants and jackets to their Hong Kong hotel, in less than five days. Here is an account of a ten-hour adventure to Macau -- which did not include one minute or one dollar spent in a casino. More from the Rugged Elegance Inspiration Network

Underwater casino planned in Macau

2005-05-17T11:10:00.000+08:00

"The Macau government has tentatively agreed to grant land for the 'City of Dreams' resort, featuring an underwater casino hall with a capacity of 450 gaming tables and 3,000 slot machines, one of its developers, Melco International Development Ltd. said in a statement seen Monday. The hall 'will be surrounded by water and marine life,' Melco Group Managing Director Lawrence Ho said in the statement. The $1 billion project will also house deluxe service apartment blocks, 2,000 hotel rooms, a shopping mall and a 4,000-seat performance hall over about 5 million square feet of floor space. The resort will be located on Macau's Cotai strip, which developers hope to fashion as Macau's answer to the Las Vegas Strip, the statement said. The complex is expected to begin construction in the second half of 2005 and open in mid-2008. Melco, which is linked to Macau casino tycoon Stanley Ho, is jointly building the casino resort with Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd., a media and gaming empire that is 36% owned by Australia's richest man, Kerry Packer." more...:

PBL, Ho plan new casino in Macau

2005-05-13T15:14:00.000+08:00

Kerry Packer's Publishing & Broadcasting Limited and its Asian gambling partner, Stanley Ho's Melco International Development, plan to build a second casino in Macau believed to worth more than $HK8 billion ($1.3 billion). The PBL/Melco partnership yesterday announced it had paid $US214 million ($277 million) for a 113,325 square metre chunk of land on Macau's Cotai Strip, more than twice the size of Melboune's Crown Casino. With an underwater casino "showcasing tropical marine life", 450 gambling tables, 3000 poker machines, three hotels, two blocks of apartments, and a theatre, the proposed development also dwarfs the partnership's other project in Macau, the Park Hyatt Hotel and Casino (200 tables and 1300 pokies). The casino construction is to begin in the "latter part" of the year with the complex due to open in the middle of 2008. The latest development will be operated by Mr Ho's privately owned Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, the owner of one of the three gaming licences in Macau. Unable to repel the entry of Las Vegas casino moguls Steve Wynn and Sheldon Adelson to the Macau gambling market, Mr Ho joined forces with Mr Packer last November to expand in Macau and other Asian capitals. Gambling revenue in Macau rose 44 per cent to $US5 billion last year and will increase 20 per cent over the next four years, according to Deutsche Bank analyst Marc Falcone. --more--

Shun Tak to pursue Macau carrier as Virgin Blue exits

2005-05-12T10:39:00.000+08:00

"Shun Tak Holdings, a Hong Kong-listed company controlled by the family of casino tycoon Stanley Ho, will continue talks to set up a budget airline with Air Macau despite the withdrawal of Virgin Blue from discussions. 'We have been mentally prepared that Virgin Blue would drop out,'' a Shun Tak source said. 'As a foreign partner, Virgin Blue does not quite understand the Macau market nor whether its strategy would fit Air Macau or the government.'' The source said the venture will 'add value'' to the company since it also runs logistics and transportation businesses, adding it hopes to speed up the negotiations and work out details within three months. Virgin Blue, Australia's second-largest carrier, ended its participation a month after Patrick Corp gained control of the five-year-old airline. 'We've participated in discussions for several months to examine the feasibility of a joint venture operation,'' Virgin Blue spokeswoman Amanda Bolger said Wednesday. 'However, ultimately, we couldn't reach an agreement and formally and amicably ended our discussions last Friday.'' She did not give further details. Patrick, Australia's biggest port-cargo handler, last month gained control of Virgin Blue after making a hostile A$1.1 billion (HK$6.64 billion) takeover bid." more:

Energy Management in Macau Westin Resort

2005-05-11T19:46:00.000+08:00

: "The 208-room Westin Resort Macau has passed a milestone that would be the envy of many a much larger hotel - two million US dollars in net savings from its energy management efforts. This hotel's approach to energy management has not been the simplistic "cut, cut, cut". Instead, their battle cry is "manage, manage, manage", they acknowledged energy management as a hotel-wide challenge more

Macao enters final round of UNESCO's world heritage competit

2005-05-09T18:31:00.000+08:00

"Macao's bid under the name of Macao Historical Architecture Clump has been designated as China's only nomination to apply for the World Heritage selection of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2005. It embraces 12 priceless cultural heritage sites, including China's oldest church, Christian cemetery, lighthouse and western theater." more:

Wynn plans $345 million expansion in Macau

2005-05-09T17:23:00.000+08:00

The casino company led by Steve Wynn has added a $345 million wing to plans for its casino in the Chinese enclave of Macau. The expansion, which will almost double casino space and add a sports book, two restaurants and a theater more:

Macau Sands targets at smaller punters

2005-05-06T12:01:00.000+08:00

"The Sands Macau casino will turn its focus back toward low-stakes gamblers this summer, betting it will face better odds there than with VIP bettors" Non-VIP table revenue in Macau increased 60 percent in the first quarter of the year compared with the same period of 2004 The Sands will offers more frequent shuttle-bus service, stepping up database marketing in the region and offer lucky draws. more

Macau Golf tournament attracts top international players

2005-05-06T11:54:00.000+08:00

With boosted prize money at stake, this year's Macau Open golf tournament will draw a number of top international players, including, Jason Knutzon, Fred Couples, Thaworn Wiratchant, Knutzon, Zhang Lianwei, etc, to the SAR next week. Admission to the tournament is free and the winner of the tournament will take home US$44,000 (HK$343,000). more

Wynn Resorts to Expand Planned Macau Resort

2005-05-05T18:11:00.000+08:00

Wynn Resorts Ltd. plans to spend about $345 million more to expand its Wynn Macau resort currently under construction in Macau. The resort is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2006. Wynn said the expansion will add 85,000 square feet of casino space, two additional restaurants, a theater and an entrance attraction. This is on top of the original plans consisting of a 600-room hotel, a casino, seven restaurants, retail space, a spa, a salon and entertainment facilities on 11 of 16 acres leased from the Macau government. The opening of the expansion is slated for the first half of 2007.

Stanley Ho plans new Macau project - May 4, 2005

2005-05-05T12:52:00.000+08:00

: "Gaming tycoon Stanley Ho has unveiled plans to build a HK$6.2 billion ($795 million) entertainment and residential development in Macau, the latest in a spree of big-ticket investments earmarked for the booming former Portuguese colony" The project, to be designed by French architect Paul Andreu, includes hotel, residential, commercial and casino facilities. n March, U.S. gaming magnate Sheldon Adelson, who heads the Las Vegas Sands Corp. , announced plans for a strip of casinos, hotels and shopping malls costing up to $15 billion. more

Oceanus Complex by Paul Andreu

2005-05-04T11:17:00.000+08:00

If Stanley Ho has his way, by 2009 passengers arriving in Macau will walk off the gangplank and into a massive HK$6.2 billion complex of shops, offices, apartments, a 600-room hotel and casino. Oceanus development centers on a half-kilometer-long main building shaped like a ship's prow pointing into the harbor, adjoined by a two-story shopping arcade leading to the ferry terminal. The 3.3 million square foot project will be topped off by a 180 meter-tall tower. The project will sit half on land yet to be reclaimed and the remainder on the site of the New Yaohan department store, which is set to move to a new complex next to the Macau Tower; the Jai Alai entertainment and retail center and an empty lot. more

Macau's exports fall in first quarter

2005-05-04T09:18:00.000+08:00

"Macau's exports fell 18.1 percent in the year through the first quarter of 2005, while imports rose 4.8 percent, resulting in a trade deficit of 2.48 billion patacas ($311 million), the government said on Monday." Macau's exports fell 26 percent in the year through March to 1.22 billion patacas, while imports fell 2.8 percent to 2.28 billion patacas. more:

Macau casinos to chalk up higher gross revenues

2005-05-02T12:25:00.000+08:00

Gross casino revenue in the gaming-friendly Chinese enclave of Macau is seen rising more than 40% in April from the same month last year, a Macau government source said on Thursday. In the first four months, the casino sector's gross receipts rose more than 20% to 13.9 billion patacas from 11.5 billion patacas in the same period last year, the source said/ more:

dancer5

2005-04-28T17:20:00.000+08:00

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