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For Due Respect Three different individuals find a common ground to come up with a showcase in order to receive the due respect their profession deserves.

Continued on page 2

A Slice of Italy Our love for has grown alongside the other local favorites like momo and chowmein. For one reason or another, this imported dish has seeped into our local eating-out experience—every other eatery in town offers . Not just that, it has gradually accustomed itself to the Nepali palate.

Continued on page 14

Karelian Fascination

The hall of Russian Center of Science and Culture at Kamalpokhari was full of enthusiasts assembled for the Russian Ball Dance Show on Friday, 5:30 pm onwards. Named ‘Karelian fascination’, the dance show was an endeavor of the Ball Dance Ensemble “Rhythm” from the Republic of Karelia

of the Russian Federation. Models: Subima Shrestha and Satyam Shrestha

Continued on page 9 2 Issue 156 | 13 February 2013 Fr!day event For Due Respect — Akriti Shilpakar

hen three differ- profession that had given them But here, in even that is know what a specific dance form ‘Chariya’ is a Nepali classical ent individuals: so much. And so was born Proj- neglected. As a Jazz instructor I really looks like.» dance that will be performed celebrated actor ect Dance. cannot merely ask my students at the program. “Our classical WDeeya Maskey, Jazz to make a turn. I have to be spe- The roots dance is a treasure. If we can instructor Satyam Shrestha and In layman’s words cific. If I want a Châinés, I have But the event is not just limited groom it and innovate it, it is on- Nritya Aagan’s Subima Shres- “Project Dance is simply a dance to mention the term. I think to presenting different styles and ly going to be better,” she adds. tha, came together it was almost performance, showcasing east- the same goes for other classi- forms of dancing. It has a graver While she insists that we are as if the team was brought to- ern to western dance forms,” cal dances.» Maskey adds, «This motive. “With the event, we also not being able to promote such gether by providence. Satyam is informs Satyam Shrestha. “Al- culture of indiscipline and im- want to introduce Nepali classi- Nepali classical dances, Deeya a trained Jazz dancer from The though our initial plan was for proper training has infected cal dance forms to the audience. differs, “I don’t think we aren’t Danceworx Performing Arts a workshop, we later decided the entire dancing community While many dance enthusiasts able to promote our dances. I Academy in Mumbai. Subima on doing a showcase,” adds in Nepal. And with the com- are more attracted to western personally know foreigners who has a Master’s degree in Kathak Subima. As professional danc- ing generation, it is only going and even Indian classical dance have learned Chariya. In Japan from the Shree Ram Bhara- ers, they all feel that dancing to get worse. Through Project forms, our own dances are being there is a dancing institute that tia Kala Kendra in . And in Nepal lacks a lot of disci- Dance, we want to let people totally neglected,” says Subima. teaches Chariya. The problem is Deeya Maskey, who is known pline, because of which there is finances, I think, people can’t pay as a performer and theater art- no pure dance form. As a Jazz “Kathak will be done in the fusion of big amounts to learn the dance. ist, has specialized in Bharat dancer and instructor, Satyam a special Dhime beat played during And without paying, no one is Natyam. Since they shared the quickly demonstrates, “Jazz has willing to teach.” The show will same profound love for dance, different technical aspects. One Indrajatra and western music,” work as an informative platform they decided to give back to the among many is terminology. informs the choreographer herself. to introduce Nepali dance forms to the audience. Just dance It is only obvious that the show- case will have a lot of dancing on the stage, “only dancing,” stresses Satyam, “there won’t be any emcee or host ruining the flow of the show. The plan is to have an AV on the stage, which will let the audience know what the next dance is and a little in- formation on it. When the AV stops, the dance will begin.” The main highlights of the program consist of a perfor- mance by Deeya and Subima. They will be doing contempo- rary in Kathak, “which is an experimental piece.” Another contemporary piece called “Rain” will be done by Satyam. “It will depict the different feelings and emotions that one goes through when it rains,” he shares. Subima is choreographing another in- teresting dance piece, which will be performed by the dancers of Nritya Aagan. “Kathak will be done in the fusion of a special Dhime beat played during In- drajatra and western music,” informs the choreographer her- self. A musical theatre on the movie ‘Chicago’, a tribute to Michael Jackson and Bob Foshe, and street jazz are among other highlights of the program. Also other performances from Salsa Dance Academy, Nepal Break- dance Foundation and other independent dancers will provide the variety to keep the audiences attentive. Final words For quite some time now, most of us have been viewing dance as entertainment on stage or our television. But more than that, “it is an art,” stresses Subima. And that is the message these three talented dancers are try- ing to put across. The program is scheduled for 15 February, at Rastriya Nach Ghar. A heartfelt request by Subima: “Everyone should come and watch the show. It will encourage us all.” !

At a glance

What Project Dance

When 15 February (Friday)

Where Rastriya Nach Ghar, Jamal

Time 4:00 pm

Ticket Rs. 250, Rs. 500, Rs. 1000 page3 make your statement one question With a problem that has its roots in multiple socio-economic issues, do clothes donation drives ‘really’ help with Terai’s cold wave crisis? Or, is there a better approach? The cold wave that people face in the Terai region every year is a serious problem. Every winter the headlines announce the death toll caused by the cold wave. The problem is serious; the houses in the Terai aren’t equipped or even built to resist the winter cold, they don’t have good ventilation or insulation. And deaths are even caused by respiratory problems caused by burning fires indoors for warmth. Media personalities and several organizations have led clothes donation drives to address the problem. But is there a better approach that we should be putting our efforts into? — Mannat Shrestha

I think such small approaches do make a short term effect, but the question is how many people will I believe there are two approaches to you donate clothes to? It is definitely address such issues. One is immediate relief not a long term solution. To make and the next is long- term solution. Though such programs more effective you I agree on the argument that in cases of require more research, what is climatic hazards, root causes should be paid the main cause and how can we attention to, I consider immediate relief to eliminate it permanently, or what be more important. This fulfills the basic precautions can be taken— these needs of the victims, promotes the sense of aspects need to be looked into. care, humanity and philanthropy and helps other aspects as well. Actor Madan Krishna Shrestha is Chief Editor of the BBC Nepali Sewa, Rabindra also an avid activist.He has been part of Mishra is also the Chairperson of the Help Nepal several social campaigns as an activist Network which has organized frequent clothes and even as a goodwill ambassador. donati on drives, especially to address crisis National Alliance for Women Human situati on like the cold wave in the Terai region. Right Defenders’ 100 days campaign with the theme ‘Say no, ensure justice’, and activism against child abuse on World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse are among When cold waves strike, the the many campaigns that Shrestha has poverty struck residents of the been part of. Terai region are most aff ected. So, a drive to provide clothes to those that need them the most does provide instant relief. Sure this is a I’m not a student of Social Work, but for me there are two temporary soluti on and we should ways of handling things: instant relief and long term solutions. see it as such. Long term soluti ons Hence our cause was named ‘Instant Relief’; it suggests that are always the requirement but this is just a short term solution. The best way to solve the they take more ti me, eff ort and problem is definitely to eliminate its root cause via proper resources. This is why we should and concrete measures. welcome even the temporary soluti ons if it helps save lives. For instance, there was disturbing news about a father eating Doing something is always way better than Once the cold wave is over, a long up his own children in Korea. If there had been an instant doing nothing. So my belief is that clothes term soluti on would be to help the relief via proper food distribution maybe such dire situations donation is just going to play a very small vulnerable people with income would not occur. But the permanent solution is vital. Job role for the problems. However, a small generati ng opportuniti es, and also opportunity is one of the measures that could have ensured role itself means a lot in a context like by facilitati ng their access to those regular access to the food. So I believe in taking forward ours where people don’t even think of the organizati ons or individuals off ering short term solutions along with a proper vision to solve the problems we have, leave alone addressing assistance. These eff orts will reduce problem permanently through various required measures them. Of course, there are thousands of their vulnerability to extreme according to the nature and magnitude of the problem is other better approaches, but a small start weather. somewhere is always good. the way. Proper policies and usage of resources, employment Currently the country representati ve of opportunities could be few aspects regarding poverty. Water Aid, Ashutosh Tiwari was also “Swor” and “I Am Sorry” starrer Keki Adhikari named Young Global Leader by the is pursuing an MBA program in Presidential Actor Nisha Adhikari was among the organizers of ‘Instant Relief’, World Economic Forum based in Geneva, Business School. She was recently part of the a clothes donation program for the residents of the Terai region Switzerland. business school’s clothes donation drive. suffering from the cold wave. Dr Khagendra Nath Sharma pens his thoughts on matters of development, socio-politics and communities. A Ph. D. holder in political science, he has also feaissues that matter ture authored several books. The Nepali Diaspora: Vision One

his feature is being writ- will try to get PR through hard of the PRs become Australian is difficult to live away from the Nepali cultural functions or fes- ten from Australia where I work. The less able students citizens and get all the rights as native way of life with its cus- tivities and so on. This practice am visiting my children for will return to Nepal. The pres- citizens including the right to toms and traditions including is very enthusiastically followed Tthe third time in a span of ent migrants consist mostly of vote or contest election. Among festivals. Our big festivals of among the Nepali migrant fami- 14 years. In the first five weeks engineers and people with mana- Nepalis, 99 percent own indepen- Dashain and Tihar, or Holi have lies living in cities like Sydney, of my current visit I had several gerial and other high skills. The dent houses and every household to be celebrated in the evening Brisbane and the like. The next occasions to meet and interact most obvious implication is that has one or two cars. They can af- after the day’s work. Similarly, level is the extension of what with different Nepali families Nepal is deprived of the services ford a reasonably luxurious life there is no customary jubilation is popularly known as the Non- who have migrated to Australia of the most able and productive style with all in-house amenities. at the arrival of local big festival Resident Nepali (NRN), which in the last few decades. On those manpower. Nepal has not de- So, looked at from the surface, life of Christmas which is appre- has local chapters in countries occasions I observed different veloped a strategy to check this for them seems to be a blissful ciated just because it brings a with cognizable Nepali popula- aspects of their life in exile and brain drain by creating suitable accomplishment. But is it really half-a-week of holiday. tion. Although the NRN was also discussed some issues with Language is another part of started as a forum to extend a them. I am trying to generalize So, except for the interaction with it. At least for the first generation helping hand to the development what I felt in a series of two ar- of the Nepali migrants, English process in Nepal, it also works as ticles as vision one and two. Here the English speaking Australians in spoken with an Australian ac- creating a global identity for the I present the perspective of the the context of office work, there is cent is almost incomprehensible migrants. first generation migrants as vi- no interaction in the neighborhood during the first few years. Also, One haunting problem of the sion one. I have been told that for a num- migrants is the maintenance of Although I have had no ac- population. This adds to the problem ber of years responses of the family relationship back home. cess to the actual statistics, there of identity crisis. migrants had to be repeated Every family festival in Nepal is a guess that the number of time and again to the Australian expects the participants of the migrants there is above eighty opportunities inside the country. successful? Or are there accom- audience because of the accent migrants and the failure to turn thousand. Clubbed with the Let me come to the migrant panying problems? differences. Except for the few out creates psychological divides. number of students going there side. Because the PRs have been First of all there seems to be privileged students in recent Next is the care of the age- to study, the number ascends to granted entry on the basis of a problem of self identification. years who had the opportunity ing parents. Parents cannot be a six-digit figure. The eligibil- their competence, they have an From the legal point of view, for of studying in the private Eng- brought here on a permanent ba- ity of permanent residents (PR) easy access to the job market, those that have taken Australian lish medium boarding schools, sis for different reasons nor can has been evaluated on the basis both in the government and the citizenship, there is a cognizable there was no opportunity for the migrants arrange to stay in of their academic credentials private sector. It is not difficult identity of belonging to the de- using English as a spoken Nepal for prolonged periods. So, and their actual work experi- for them to satisfy the profes- sired country. But the process of language, nor is it an official lan- when one of the parents or both ence in Nepal for at least a period sional requirements of the job integration into the new society guage back home. Mastering fall ill in Nepal needing special of three years. Those students and they are treated as equals is not complete. The PRs carry spoken English is a big problem care, problems multiply. who get good credits and are eli- with the Australian citizens in with them a culture which is dif- for the first generation of Nepali In this last context, I did gible for jobs in the local market terms of remuneration. Most ferent from their own culture. It migrants which naturally builds some loud thinking and shared psychological inhibition. So, ex- some remedial measures with cept for the interaction with the some of the people I met during English speaking Australians in family visits. My feeling is that the context of office work, there there is a sheer dearth of trained is no interaction in the neighbor- people to take care of the ageing hood population. This adds to people. There is a need for cre- the problem of identity crisis. ating and training a professional One way of overcoming this cadre to serve them. This can be identity crisis is selective associa- done through training for which tion-ship. I have found this search purpose an institution needs to for an extended identity at two be created. I think that the NRNs fronts. The first prevails at the can do it best as it directly con- local level where the PRs start cerns their parental problems. to forge non-formal association The best option would be the through frequent interaction: creation of a well managed old inviting the families for food people care facility for which the by turn or organizing collec- global NRN entity can take the tive picnics, conducting special initiative. ! the blog stop The Weak Winter Sun -Priya Shah I sit in the sun, my hair tumbling down my shoulders in scented, glossy waves of color – oh well, ok, it’s actually doing something closer to a very good impression of a cocker spaniel having a bad hair day, but excuse me for trying to make myself feel better (sniff). Cocker spaniels, by the way, have some of the most temperamental hair I’ve ever seen. It almost makes you grateful for being human and having ready access to conditioner and styling products. I once knew a cocker spaniel that had this punk-cockatoo thing going on (shudder!). Oh, she tried to put a brave face on it, but no one was fooled when she met an untimely end. But we digress, and I was describing my lazy Thursday morning – Thursday – ah, the decadence. So, I sit in the weak, winter sun, which is actually overdoing the weak-wintry bit. Trust the weather to be contrary. The thing is, I’m not really an avid sun bath-er, not even in winter. I’m more the ‘shrink from the light shriek if it touches you cower and wait to turn to dust’ variety of a person. My vampire skin cracks in protest at the very thought of sunshine. So, what, you might ask, am I doing in a lawn chair in the garden in the middle of the morning? Well, it’s simple really. My Heliophobia was beginning to worry my mother. This I have come to accept is part of the job description. If you are a mother, you must worry about everything all the time, otherwise you’re just a bad, callous woman who will be the only one to blame when you are 40 years old and scalds herself while making tea. In this case, my mother was afraid that I wasn’t getting enough vitamin D and that my bones would just turn to jelly if she didn’t take things into her hands. Hence, I was ordered to soak up at least a couple of hours worth of the stuff. Being the dutiful daughter that I am, of course, I was anxious to comply. Keeping the protestations of blindingly obvious logic that automatically sprang to my tongue to a minimum and brushing aside all concerns for my photosensitive skin, I decided I would sit out during the sunniest part of the morning so as to obtain the maximum benefit of this wondrous elixir that falls so freely from the sky. Sunburn and I-told-you-so looks were the last things on my mind. So, here I sit in the weak, wintry, completely uncooperative sun, trying to absorb all that golden goodness through a thick layer of clothing, and wondering whether a few extra layers wouldn’t be enough to give me a decent spot of heat stroke. Aaah bliss!

TOP 3 eget morevents out of your weekends With events to the left and right, Fr!day makes it a little bit easier for you to choose events to check out this week and the next. Here are our top three picks: 1. STARTUP WEEKEND IN Brought by Cyber Chautari, Startup Weekend brings together people from what’s different walks of lives to collaborate, promote, and enhance the role of on Information Technology in the country. 2. CAN INFO-TECH things to do Witness more than 200 companies representing national and international brands at CAN Info- Tech this year. sun . mon . tue . wed . thu . fri . sat 3. WAITING 7 8 9 A photo exhibtion by Phurbu Tsering Gurung at Image Art Ark Gallery whose 10 11 12 13 photographic world stands somewhere between poetry and storytelling.

POST US: Email event details to [email protected] or call 5011571/ 5011639/ 5011730/ 5011731 for listings. Listings are free but inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space.

Come and enjoy live barbecue audition took place inside the college nights every Friday from 6:00 pm at premises where every participants Hotel Marshyangdi. Mongolian and were fairly chosen on the basis of Fashion’s Night Out Nepali barbecue will be available their Vocal Performances.The second alternate weeks. And, the barbeque round has already started- from Date: 8 February (Friday); Time: 5:00 pm onwards; Venue: The Vesper Café, Jhamsikhel; nights are going to be rather lively 1 January 2013.Online voting can Contact: 9803092688 with traditional dances and band be done by logging on to www. performances. nepal11radio.com/Voting. After the Mfashionista has been reporting and promoting fashion trends from declaration of Top 99 cotestents, all around the world for over two years. And, to thank all the supporters Live at Café 32 top 99 will be battling for the next and to celebrate Mfashionista’s third anniversary ‘Fashion’s Night Out’ is Date: 8 February (Friday) round where top 33 will be chosen being organized on Friday. The organizers say that anyone who is young, Time: 7:00 pm onwards on the basis of 75% Public Voting and fun and in for a night of grand celebrations is welcome. They just have one Venue: Café 32, Battisputali 25% Judges Panel. condition: you›ve got to have the fashion quotient up high! It will be a night 4486782 of partying to celebrate fashion. Everyday Epiphanies Pair-up live music with delicious food Closing Date: 13 February Ticket Price: Advance sales: Rs. 499; Door sales: Rs. 999 in a laid back ambience as Café 32 has (Wednesday) live music every Friday. Tickets available at: Aisha, Taxxi, Eternal Spring, Style Clinic (Nagpokhari); Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Fuel (Durbar Marg) Satsang Venue: Alliance Francaise of Date: 8 February (Friday) Kathmandu, Banshi Ghat Marga, Teku Time: 5:00 pm onwards Road Venue: The Art of Living Center, New 4241163, 4242832 Baneshwor Alliance Francaise of Kathmandu and 4494500 photo.circle invite you to be a part of Qs Organized by The Art of Living, this the Nepal Retrospective 1994-2012 evening is for all those who want to photographs exhibition by Frederic Lecloux. With Calvin Gurung unwind spiritually. Devotional songs in exile who dreams about freedom and Organizer will calm your senses and help you Lights! Camera! Action! space, and she yearns for a change in 3 heal from within. Opening Date: 1 February (Friday) her world. Closing Date: 28 April (Sunday) Black History Month Entry: Free Celebrate Panache Closing Date: 22 February (Friday) Time: 5:00 pm to 7 pm (Friday) and Venue: House of Music, Thamel 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Saturday) Aesthetics in Photography With fashion aficionados gathering over good music and food· 9851075172 Venue: Sushila Arts Academy Opening Date: 6 February (Wednesday) FashionÊs Night Out will be a night of partying for the love of all 4015643 Closing Date: 10 February (Sunday) This year’s edition of Black History Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm things fashionable. Month is here. House of Music, Sushila Arts Academy (SAA) brings to you the opportunity to learn Venue: photo.circle HQ, Jhamsikhel with support from United States 5013501 What is the objective behind organizing the event? Embassy, will be celebrating the useful skills from an experienced film This event marks the third year anniversary of Mfashionista. So the crew at month of February as Black History actor as a part of their new theater Photo.circle offers you an opportunity Marvel Station and Mfashionista are collaborating to bring this global Month and will narrate the African program, “Youth Acting for Film”. The for the 5-day photography workshop night of fashion into Nepal to give all the fashionistas of Nepal something American story, particularly through 60 hours long program is targeted to with Norwegian photographer Morten to cheer about. We want to see all the fashionistas of Kathmandu at The music and movie. This event serves enthusiasts aged between 13 and 21. Krogvold. The workshop is ideal for Vesper Cafe on Friday for a night of fashion and fun. as an occasion to commemorate Divya Dev, a well known stage actor, photographers who are starting out the contributions made by African will be the instructor. The program and want to take their photography Are there any highlights of the event that you would like to will see a practical introduction to mention? Americans to America. Every Friday to the next level. It is open to all evening this February, House of Music film acting, including script analysis, We intend this event to not only be a great night out but also a platform with preference to young Nepali will highlight a particular genre of auditions, acting, understanding for emerging talents. Therefore new faces of entertainment and music photographers. music; such as blues, jazz, funk, soul, technical language for film and more. faculty will be performing on the night. Plus the future stars of the fashion and hip-hop, and the roles of leading Interaction Program at world will also be modeling at our event. Total fee: Rs. 15,000 for the entire Chaitanya Spa black artists in bringing them into course (5 hours a week for 12 weeks) Are there any commuting arrangements for the attendees after mainstream music culture. Date: 7 February (Thursday) the party? WAITING Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm This Friday (February 8) will see We don’t have any private travel arrangements as such for the guests but Opening Date: 3 February (Sunday) Venue: Chaitanya Spa, Bakhundole, Funk@House, featuring What the we do have an arrangement for Night Taxis which will be available right Closing Date: 26 February (Tuesday) Sanepa 55447774, 5547971 outside the venue so that nobody has a problem getting home late at night. Funk-We r Soul’D Out. Time: 5:00 pm onwards (Ashmita Rijal) Venue: Image Ark Art Gallery, On the occasion of the completion of For more information on the rest of Kulimha Tole, Patan their two years of service, Chaitanya the schedule please visit facebook. 5006665 Spa will have an interaction program on com/houseofmusicnepal. Thursday. With addition of orthopedists, FAIR AND EXPO During the trade show CAN will Image Ark Gallery is organizing invite more than 25,000 official a new photo exhibition titled neurologists and psychologists, the spa will now be focusing on scope of CAN INFO-TECH guests from around the world MISCELLANEOUS “Waiting” by Phurpu Tsering Opening Date: 6 February (Wednesday) and expects more than 500,000 Gurung who is a young and wellness tourism in Nepal. And that is Closing Date: 11 February (Monday) visitors during the event. Nepal11Star talented Nepali photographer. what the interaction program will be based on. Time: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm Closing Date: 31 March Gurung’s photographic world stands

Venue: Exhibition Hall, Bhrikuti Mandap 5203407 somewhere between poetry and Lunch at Bourbon Room 4424043, 4432700 storytelling. The photographer took Date: 7 February (Thursday) MUSIC AND PARTIES Nepal11Star, an inter college singing part in a workshop conducted by two Time: noon till 3:00 pm To promote IT in Nepal, CAN is back competition inside Kathmandu valley Barbeque at Hotel renowned Bangladeshi photographers Venue: Lal Durbar Marg with CAN Info-Tech this February. where 32 colleges took part and Marshyangdi organized by photo.circle on 4441703 This significant event will also get Date: 8 February (Friday) total number of 380 were selected. “Visual Storytelling”. It inspired and prominence by “IT Conference 2013”. Time: 6:00 pm till 10:00 They are pleased to announce the motivated him to go further into Bourbon Room is now open for lunch More than 200 companies representing Venue: Hotel Marshyangdi, Thamel completion of the 1st round of the street photography and storytelling. every day from noon. Enjoy affordable national and international brands are 4700105 event held on 1 October, 2012. Each “Waiting” is about a mother who lives and delicious meals from their lunch expected to participate in the event. events Fr!day Issue 156 | 13 February 2013 7

menu starting from Rs. 99. They are Partner Yoga Workshop currently offering Indian and Chinese Date: 10 February (Sunday) events index combos in their lunch menu along Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm with steaming momos and kathi rolls. Venue: Pranamaya Studio, Patan THURSDAY Nepal11Star (Miscellaneous) Nepal11Star (Miscellaneous) If you desire something from their 9802045484 Aesthetics in Photography (Miscellaneous) Oriental Night (Miscellaneous) Partner Yoga Workshop (Miscellaneous) regular food menu, they are offering CAN Info-Tech (Fair and Expo) Satsang (Music and Parties) Waiting (Miscellaneous) This day will see Partner Yoga a 20 percent on other food items Everyday Epiphanies Du Quotidien Waiting (Miscellaneous) Workshop with Marion in MONDAY as well as on their bar menu. This (Miscellaneous) Pranamaya Studio, Patan. The class Interaction Program at Chaitanya Spa SATURDAY CAN Info-Tech (Fair and Expo) discount is valid during lunch hours will help you awaken compassion, (Miscellaneous) Aesthetics in Photography (Miscellaneous) Everyday Epiphanies Du Quotidien from noon till 3:00 pm. trust, balance and creativity. Life on a Canvas (Art and Theater) Barbeque Lunch (Miscellaneous) (Miscellaneous) Dinner and jazz Lights! Camera! Action! CAN Info-Tech (Fair and Expo) Nepal11Star (Miscellaneous) Price: Rs. 850 Lunch at Bourbon Room (Miscellaneous) Everyday Epiphanies Du Quotidien Waiting (Miscellaneous) Date: 8 February (Friday) Nepal11Star (Miscellaneous) (Miscellaneous) Time: 7:00 pm onwards ART AND THEATER Waiting (Miscellaneous) International Pizza Day at Himalayan Pizza TUESDAY Venue: Park Village Hotel, (Miscellaneous) Everyday Epiphanies Du Quotidien Buddhanilkantha Life on a Canvas FRIDAY Nepal11Star (Miscellaneous) (Miscellaneous) Nepal11Star (Miscellaneous) 4700800 Opening date: 3 February (Sunday) Aesthetics in Photography (Miscellaneous) Yoga for life (Miscellaneous) Closing date: 8 February (Friday) Black History Month (Music and Parties) Waiting (Miscellaneous) Waiting (Miscellaneous) CAN Info-Tech (Fair and Expo) Earthwatch Restaurant at Park Village Time: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm WEDNESDAY Hotel is offering a buffet dinner at Dinner and jazz (Miscellaneous) SUNDAY Venue: Imago Dei near Nagpokhari Everyday Epiphanies Du Quotidien Aesthetics in Photography (Miscellaneous) Everyday Epiphanies Du Quotidien Rs. 1000++ per person every Friday. 9841038675 (Miscellaneous) CAN Info-Tech (Fair and Expo) (Miscellaneous) Join in for dinner accompanied by Life on a Canvas (Art and Theater) Everyday Epiphanies Du Quotidien Nepal11Star (Miscellaneous) Jazz music at the peaceful location “The paintings are consequences Mcube Chakati-Guff (Art and Theater) (Miscellaneous) Waiting (Miscellaneous) with your friends and family. of what I went through in my life, mostly of what I lost. But on a Oriental Night positive note - this exhibition, for Date: 8 February (Friday) me, is a statement in itself, each Time: 7:00 pm onwards of us has that boundless strength Venue: Café Horizon, Hotel Himalaya and courage within us to face and Flashback to the ‘80s 5523900 overcome whatever difficulties life has in store for us,” shares Seema Date: 9 February (Saturday); Opening Time: 2:00 pm; Closing time: 6:00 pm; Venue: Club If a laidback Friday evening with good Acharya about the exhibition. There Platinum, Hotel Yak & Yeti; Contact: 9803158004, 9803390229, 9808125621 food is what you’re looking for then is no entry fee for art enthusiasts Café Horizon offers mouthwatering Canvas Entertainment Pvt.ltd. featuring Mr. & Ms. Nobody Events feel that to view her works, but with the Asian cuisines, and you can enjoy the the evergreen music of the eighties is a welcome change in the party scene money raised through sales she will fare in an ambience set by soothing here. If you feel the same way, here’s an event that is themed in the ‘80s vibe. put aside a portion for Mendies melodies. This party will be a time travel back to the eighties that gave the music world Haven, a home for orphaned and Madonna and MTV. DJ Sishir and DJ Pun will recreate some retro magic with Rate: Rs. 1099 (per person) abandoned children, so she can their eighties’ music. They also have exciting gift hampers, so moving to the contribute to the education of girl ‘80s rhythm might earn you attractive prizes. They will also be nominating best Barbeque Lunch students. Date: 9 February (Saturday) couples and best dressed, so come prepared to this nostalgic evening. Time: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm Mcube Chakati-Guff Ticket Price: Pre sales: Rs. 500; Door price: Rs. 700 (with complementary drinks Venue: Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Date: 8 February (Friday) to get you in the right mood) Tahachal Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm 4272555, 4273999 Venue: Chakupat, Lalitpur 5260110, 9803424779 Savor the Barbeque Lunch featuring assorted salads, live barbeque, choice Gallery Mcube invites art of and desserts by the pool enthusiasts to the Talk Series, side at Soaltee Crowne Plaza every Mcube Chakati-Guff. Renowned Saturday. Barbeque Lunch Packages Paubha painter, Lok Chitrakar will Qs are inclusive of two drinks (imported talk about reviving the history gin, vodka, wine beer and soft drinks) through traditional Nepali art. with live violin. With Pramit Shrestha Coordinator International Pizza Day at 3 Himalayan Pizza Disclaimer: Date: 9 February (Saturday) Fr!day does not endorse any event printed, mentioned or listed in the Go Retro Time: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm publication. Event participants are advised to cross-refer to sources for validation. Venue: Himalayan Pizza, Thamel Tired of the house and EDM playing everywhere? Dance to some [email protected], 9808552242 refreshing eightiesÊ tracks and enjoy a retro night out this Saturday. STARTUP WEEKEND IN KATHMANDU Are you aware that International Opening date: 8 February (Friday); Closing date: 10 February (Sunday); What is the event all about? Pizza Day is closing in? Make it Registration deadline: 8 February (by 5:00 pm); Venue: Sap Falcha, Babarmahal; The event is basically a dance party but with a different touch. We have special this year by participating in Contact: kathmandu.startupweekend.org always tried to bring new concepts in partying as we believe in doing an ‘Eat-As-Much-As-You-Like’ Pizza things differently. It is an attempt to redefine the regular party scene Buffet, taking place at Himalayan Brought by Cyber Chautari, the Startup Weekend is now in Kathmandu too. happening every weekend and transform it into more of a retro magic. Pizza. This event brings together people from different walks of lives, like developers, designers and business people, to collaborate, promote, and enhance the role of Why did you pick ‘80s as the theme of the party? Cost: Rs. 495 per person Information Technology in the country. The stellar list of mentors contributing With respect to the new age genre of music, it’s important we know what Yoga for life their expertise and experience to the event include Anil Chitrakar, Ranjit it used to be when we were still learning our first chords. While there Date: 9 February (Saturday) Acharya, Rahul Saini, Biswas Dhakal, Dilip Agrawal, Dipendra Tondon, Ashutosh are great new bands today, the music of the ‘80s will always be our first Time: 8:30 am onwards Tiwari, Sixit Bhatta, among others. Anyone is welcome to pitch their startup love. It was the music we came of age to, it was the music we listened to Venue: Pranamaya Studio, Thamel idea and receive feedback from their peers. Teams purely form around the top on our old cassette players as we learned to drive—it brings back great 9802045484 ideas chosen by popular vote and then it’s a 54-hour passion of business model memories. And of course, how can we forget our favorite music legends creation, coding, designing, and market validation. The weekends culminate with of the ‘80s like Madonna, Ricky Martin, Vengaboys and the likes of them. Join in for a Saturday with outdoor presentations in front of local entrepreneurial leaders with another opportunity yoga classes, a healthy garden picnic for critical feedback. Seven meals and drinks will be provided throughout the There’s bound to be drinks flowing from the bar, and then there and a walk in Shivapuri National weekend. is ‘MA-PA-SE’; are you providing commuting facilities after the Park. You will depart from Pranamaya party? Thamel Studio at 8:30 am. Entry Fee: Rs. 3500 for professionals, Rs. 1800 for students (Student ID Well, the party ends at 6:00 pm, so I don’t think that there will be any verification is required). Early birds can avail of a 20 percent discount until 18 problems regarding transportation and getting back home safely to party Price: Rs. 3500 per person (including January. Only one of the discounts will apply to any individual. again tomorrow. lunch, entrance NP, expert yoga (Ashmita Rijal) teacher, guided walk, transport). Jhol Momo Festival at Vintage Direction Nepal is organizing an all- Bar round expo which includes a children Closing Date: 27 February (Wednesday) expo, wedding and gift expo and Nepal Time: 2:00 pm onwards international consumer expo. All of the eget morevents out of your weekends Venue: Vintage Pub, Woodland Complex, expo will be organized on the same Durbar Marg dates, for five days but on slightly different 4254831 hours. Children expo will be held from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, wedding and gift We all love momos and there’s plenty expo, and Nepal International Consumer around town. To make you happier, Fair from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. mark your calendar Vintage Pub offers you a chance to be a part of Jhol Momo Festival. They are Nepal International Trade Fair events in the next few weeks offering their special Jhol momo priced 2013 Rs. 90. So come and enjoy as many Opening Date: 8 March (Friday) plates of momos as you can. Closing Date: 12 March (Friday) Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm B-boying Competition Venue: Bhrikuti Mandap Date: 2 March (Saturday) 4262061, 4262218, 4266889 Close Up Love Fest Time: 10:45 am Venue: Dashrath Stadium Come and find out what the second Opening Date: 14 February (Tuesday); Closing Date: 16 February (Saturday); Venue: Multiple 9849256128, 9849685110, 9841721736, Nepal International Trade Fair 2013 locations; Contact: www.facebook.com/CloseupNepal 9841549741 has in store this year. Organized by Federation of Nepalese Chambers of With the success of last year’s Love Fest, Close Up is organizing the event for MISCELLANEOUS XclusiveZ Entertainment is organizing Commerce and Industry, the event will Valentine’s Day this year as well. The event will take place over three days and is all a country-wide B-boying competition. feature pashminas, handicrafts, jewelries about ‘Spreading the Love’—providing fun, playful activities for people to engage in. Valentine Bash Although the competition begins in and much more. Date: 14 February (Thursday) Love Fest 2013 is a collection of activities that will take place across several March, the application forms will be Time: 5:00 pm onwards out by January. With internationally locations in the city including the major malls and youth hang outs. Each Venue: Revolution Zumba Lounge Bar, MUSIC AND PARTIES location will have several fun features including message boards, live music, acclaimed b-boying patrons Bojin Chen Jhamsikhel from Taiwan and J Wang from Valentine Massacre contests and couples games. On 14 February the fest will be held at Sherpa 55227067, email:[email protected] Mall, Civil Mall as well as Jhamsikhel, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur will be the judges. The participant who Date: 14 February Durbar Square with great food, music and exciting couple games, 15 February Make your Valentine’s Day special will be able to prove their mettle will Time: 12:00 pm onwards will be a movie fest at QFX Civil Mall, and 16 February will feature a concert this year by participating in the event bag Rs. 50,000. Venue: Sano Gaucharan at Civil Mall by Mt. 8848, Naren Limbu, Sugam Pokharel and Shine Band, which “Valentine Bash” that will see live music Celebrate your Valentine’s Day in a will also have salsa and B-boying performances. followed by DJ session till late night. Himalayan Rush different way this year. Be there to Cost: Rs. 800 (couple), Rs. 500 (single) Opening Date: 30 March (Saturday) Entry Fee: Free Venue: Begnas Tal, Pokhara witness 10 metal bands performing Project Dance 9851102046, 9851021852 live. Abonimable Carnivore (Headliner) Opening Date: 15 February (Friday) from will be performing Time: 4:00 pm onwards The Himalayan Rush triathlon is a result along with other Nepali bands like Venue: Rastriya Nach Ghar of love for fitness, and Begnas Tal. If you Narsamhaar, Psychic Tower, Dying Out 9803665005, 9851069853 love to run, cycle and swim, do take a Flame and others. Qs part. This event will also contribute to An initiative by The Dance Studio and Begnas and its surrounding community Sahaya Nritya Aagan, Project Dance is a mission and their objective is to promote a Date: 23 February 2013 With Pranaya Hada to bring awareness and to educate the more active lifestyle through all their Time: 5:00 pm onwards Marketing Office, Unilever Nepal Limited growing audience of dance regarding events. This March will see the second Venue: 1905, Kantipath 3 the root, background and showcasing edition of the event. 5553568 the technical level and quality of various Come and be a part of the charity show Western classical, Latin Ballroom and Shine This Valentine “Sahaya”, that will see performances Eastern classical dances. FAIR AND EXPO This ValentineÊs Day could be about prizes and vouchers, and extended by Anil Shahi, and a dinner and cocktail Entry: Rs. 250, Rs. 500, Rs.1,000 An All-Round Expo affair. The money raised from the event three days of fun with the Close Up intending to ÂSpread the loveÊ. Opening Date: 21 February (Thursday) will be going to Help Nepal Network, Bar Be Que Brunch Bazaar Closing Date: 25 February (Tuesday) a global charity run on a fully voluntary What is the main objective of the event? Date: 16 February (Saturday) Venue: Direction Exhibition Road, basis and focuses mainly on health and Close Up has always been engaged with the platform of Friendship and Time: 12 noon to 2:30 pm Bhrikutimandap education of rural Nepal. Love and Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion for us to celebrate with Venue: Gokarna Forest Resort 4238183, 4259976, www.directionnepal. our consumers. Close Up Love Fest is designed to provide entertainment 4451212, 9801051212 com Entry: Rs. 1800 to young people around the city by giving them opportunities to engage with each other and share the things they enjoy in common like games, Come and experience the charcoal good food and their favorite music performers. grilled Unlimited BBQ ends, away from the crowd of the city that takes place Are there any highlights of the event that you would like to every Saturday at Gokarna Forest mention? Resort. The Lebanese Shawarma, legend The primary highlight is that it provides a platform for young people to of Hyderabadi Biryani, Mongolian or celebrate love of all kinds at various locations around the city; giving them Japanese Teppanyaki, Tibetan momos, both entertainment and opportunity for memorable fun and interaction. Italian , Nepali , salad, sweet In addition, there are prizes to be won for participating which include dishes and many more await you. Samsung phones for a couple, movie tickets and restaurant vouchers. Visit of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Fantastic performers including Sugam Pokharel and Naren Limbu are also part of the event and will be performing for Close Up Love Fest, further Date: 26 February (Tuesday) boosting the fun quotient. Time: 3:00 pm Venue: New Baneshowr What kind of outcome do you expect from the event? 9841474343 We saw from last year that the response to a campaign like this is very positive. This year, with the aim of ‘Spreading the Love’, we have scaled up Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will be back in the event to reach even more people, expanding the number of locations Kathmandu with his mantra of the art of as well as range of activities. I am sure that every person who attends or living. Courses such as YES! and YES+ will participates in any of the Love Fest events this year will be delighted! be organized for interested participants. The Art of Living society will also be (Ashmita Rijal) organizing a mega Satsang. events Fr!day Issue 156 | 13 February 2013 9

performance. Along with the trophy, they bagged the cash prize of Rs. the week 50,000, gift hampers from ANTA Nepal that was Clothing Store worth Rs. 50,000, and also free website from Tecsroadians. Shashank Joshi won the title of ‘best event reviews of the performer’ along with gift hamper from ANTA worth Rs. 10,000. past week ‘Waiting’ at Image Himalayan Pizza at Thamel held a Ark Gallery An Evening at the press meet and tasting on Friday at Ashmita Rijal around 1:00 pm to inform about their Lalitpur, 4 February Museum upcoming event, ‘Eat as much as you Kshitiz Singh like’ Pizza Buffet. Phurpu Tsering Gurung’s ‘Waiting’ Lalitpur, 1 February by is a ‘photo documentary’ as the The General Manager of the restaurant, among others, and other dance forms 38 points. A total of 88 golfers including photographer describes his works of An event was organized in the Patan Zen D’Amato informed that the event like Spanish Suite, Tangled and Storm. The six women and five junior players took art that are arranged on the walls of museum to observe Jyapu Samaj’s is being organized as a celebration of Director of Russian Center of Science part in the tournament. Image Ark Gallery. The launch of the annual program dedicated to the International Pizza Day, scheduled to and Culture, Stanislav Simakov presented exhibit included a poetry recitation in infamous Newari delicacy - yomari. take place on 9 February, Saturday. She flowers and certificates to the artists and the Tibetan language by the women in The event entitled “Tyo chin tya” that also informed that the Pizza Buffet thanked them for bringing the Russian Gurung’s story, accompanied by the was held in the evening on Friday saw Wildripperz Bag the will cost Rs. 495 per person and be cultural dance to Nepal. strumming of the dramyin, a traditional guests from Jyapu Samaaj, Newari available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Urban Street Dance Tibetan instrument. entrepreneurs, invitees and media on the particular day. It will include a Trophy personnel. large variety of different pizzas with Tashi Tsering Wins The exhibition comprises of 17 photos all various toppings including vegetarian Akriti Shilpakar representing the ‘wait’ of a mother. About The event showcased Newari cultural Kathmandu, 2 February the theme of his images Gurung says, performances and local Newari non-vegetarian and also sweet and CG Golf MMXIII fruit pizzas. The buffet will also feature Suprasanna Aryal “The story is about refugees who always delicacies and beverages. Speaking on The national-level dance competition are labeled with an intruder’s identity. the occasion, member of Jyapu Samaaj, the restaurant’s signature salad and Kathmandu, 2 February titled ‘Urban Street Dance 2012/13” soup, including a couple of other Those people wait to be accepted, but are Prem Maharjan said, “Tyo chin tya is a Tashi Dong (Tsering) won the title of culminated in a grand finale on 2 February citizens of no land on earth”. A woman formal way of celebrati ng Yomari Punii surprises, musical entertainment at KL Tower in Chabahil. The initial rounds and a competition with free dinner CG Open Golf Tournament at Gokarna is representing all the chaos and struggle which marks the end of the harvest Golf Club on Saturday. The former of the competition had been taking place for individuality in Gurung’s photographs. season and on this day is celebrated prizes. Judging by the variety that was since November 2012, when it became a offered at the tasting, the attendees national footballer and skipper of The entire collection is in black and white by making diff erent Newari delicacies Manang Marshyandi Club accumulated platform for dancers from all around the and when asked for the reason Gurung made of wheat fl our, especially yomari.” should be in for a culinary carnival that country. The main aim of the competition celebrates the pizza through various a total of 42 points to achieve a four- simply smiles as he asks, “Aren’t they true stroke victory over Joo Sook Choi. was to provide today’s dancers with colors of life?” Generous donati ons and grants by the interpretations and versions. acknowledgement and experience. members of the audience were also Dong also claimed the most birdies Photos like an old woman’s feet, a being made on the same occasion in award on count back with three birdies The grand finale witnessed seven destroyed wooden mask, dark alleys, order to support the sustainability Karelian Fascination on hole two, three and seven, against finalists surface among hundreds of an empty chair, a man lost in darkness of Jyapu Samaaj. Another highlight Suprasanna Aryal bogeys on hole 11 and 16. Played under participants. They went head-to-head of night, amongst some, are the ones was the felicitati on of the Miss Newa Kathmandu, 1 February 3/4 handicap format over 18 holes, Joo with each other to win the title, while that portray the story of refugees and winners of 2012/13. Continued from page 1 Sook Choi came second with 38 points, well-known choreographer Gambir their mothers waiting for their children while Suryansh Chaudhary finished third Bista and one of the pioneering B-boy who have moved away, while she sits at The show started with a short with 37 points in the main category. in Nepal, Nishant Gauchan judged them. home, wanting and wishing to see them Himalayan Pizza documentary on Karelia and the natural The enthusiastic crowd swarmed the again. However, Gurung believes his to Celebrate beauty and unique features of the place. Ang Tshiring Sherpa bagged the best Pavillion Food Court of the building images are not to impose any meaning; Then came the sequence of different gross award with 37 points. Arati Rana and seemed to be enjoying the show. the audiences can interpret anything International Pizza dances by the adorably dressed artists, claimed the woman’s section trophy The audience and the participants also they perceive in the photographs, he is a with wide smiles and full of energy. with 33 points. Lt. Gen KNS Thapa had the opportunity to see the judges mere medium to reality. Day They performed Latin American and bagged the senior section title with 34 themselves on stage. At the end of the Suprasanna Aryal European dances like Tango, Slow Waltz, points, whereas Sandesh Khanal claimed day, it was the Wildripperz Crew that ‘Waiting’ will remain on display until Kathmandu, 1 February Jazz, Rumba, Samba and Rock and Roll his maiden trophy in junior section with won the show with their power-packed February 26. hallofframe

1 2 3 ’s Candid Tale Launched 2 February, Nepa~laya Nepa~laya’s ‘r’ sala was packed to capacity with people who were present to witness the launch of the autobiography of entrepreneur Binod Chaudhary. The candid tale of his life was written by Sudeep Shrestha over a five- year long period. The launch started with the thankful note of Kiran Shrestha, the team leader of publishing house Nepa~laya. Then the first copy of the autobiography was handed over by Sudeep Shrestha to Binod Chaudhary and both of them shared their experiences of bringing out the book. “Writing someone’s biography is as sensitive a matter as, let’s say, living that 4 5 6 7 8 person’s life,” Shrestha explained. The autobiography of the president of the billion dollar Chaudhary empire captures the struggles and happiness, ups and downs of his life. Chaudhary said that it was one of the most important days of his life and thanked Nepa~laya for giving him an opportunity to live his life again. 1. Binod Chaudhary 2. Bharat Rawat and Basanta Chaudhary 3. Sudeep Shrestha 4. Sarika Chaudhary and Lily Ghimire 5. Rajesh KC 6. Nirvana Chaudhary 7. Narayan Shrestha 8. Kiran Shrestha

Qatar Celebrates Its Clientele 1 2 3 1 February, Hyatt Regency Qatar Airways, the largest international passenger carrier to Nepal organized a celebratory evening at the Hyatt Regency on Friday, from 7:00 pm onwards bringing together its elite class of Gold Card members and a few of their dedicated customers who fly with them on a regular basis. Despite the informal nature of the event, the privilege card holders, frequent flyers and a few of the diplomats were informed about the recent achievements of the world class airline through a brief presentation conducted by its Sales Manager, Suneer P C. Right after the formal event which comprised of the short presentation and addresses by the airport manager and country manager respectively, invitees enjoyed light conversation over dinner. One of the most reputed and busy airline companies globally, Qatar Airways has been awarded the Skytrax Airline of the year for two consecutive years, Best Middle East airline in China, Best Long Haul carrier to UK etc. Likewise, Qatar airways has been recognized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal as the airline to bring in the highest number of passengers to Nepal. 1. Elke Zopf 2. KV Chandramohan 3. Yong Sook Yang and Cabinet Shrestha 4. Bhushan Dahal 5. Nirmal Tandukar, Nabin Gurung, Min Ghale and Min Gurung 6. Samriddhi Rai and Palisha 7. Umang Rana, Rajendra Khetan, Aashmi Rana, Ramdas Shivram and Sapana Pradhan Malla 4 5

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7 1 2 3 4 5 Everyday Epiphanies 1 February, Alliance Francaise Everyday Epiphanies: A Nepal Retrospective 1994-2012, is an exhibition of photographs by Belgian-French photographer Frédéric Lecloux. ‘…Images that do not witness an experience, but explore beyond the surface, presenting stories that lay beyond just an experience, beyond the evidently visible…’ was how the photographer described the exhibit. Glimpses of everyday people’s everyday lives, but from interesting angles decorated the walls of Alliance Francaise’s gallery. This exhibit wasn’t about decoding meanings, just everyday realities. All the photos represented general lives of common people in Nepal, presenting them as a medium of expression of reality. 6 7 It wasn’t a full-house, but everyone present was engrossed in these images. Kunda Dixit, editor of Nepali Times inaugurated the exhibition, after which Lecloux was seen interacting and answering the audience’s queries throughout the exhibition. More than his photographs, the artist himself was surrounded by photography enthusiasts. He said, “I am happy to be in Nepal and its surroundings, I hope to fly back each year to capture more moments like these.” The exhibition will continue till 13 February. 1. Karl Knapn 2. Georgina Foster 3. Federic Lecloux 4. Anne Lise Heynen 5. Prasiit and Phurpu Tsering Gurung 6. Kunda Dixit 7. Ingrid Chiron

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5 Pondering Moments 2 February, Imago Dei A compilation of paintings and pencil sketches by Seema Acharya was exhibited under the title ‘Pondering moments’. Acharya has been painting since a very young age as a hobby and to develop it further invested in short term hobby classes and what we see at the exhibition is a colorful array of subjects from horses to flowers to sceneries to fruits and a lot more. Most of her paintings are of still life and a few abstract paintings which she claims to be her creative expression. The exhibition was inaugurated by her parents, who she considers her pillars of strength, amidst a gathering of family, friends and art enthusiasts at Imago Dei Café and Gallery, Naxal, running from the 3 February through 8 February. 1. Raj Kumar Acharya, Seema Acharya and Shashi Acharya 2. Neeru Rayamaji Khatri 3. Daniel Mendies and Charles Mendies 4. Srijana Rizal, Monica Rizal and Neela Acharya 5. Tarana Dutt, Kavita Masand, Arvind Sharma, Rubeena Dutt Shrestha and Ramyata Limbu

1 2 OMA Nepal and NanoSwitch Launched 3 February, Hayatt Regency OMA Emirates, Dubai announced the launch of its subsidiary OMA Nepal, with which the company brings NanoSwitch for Himalayan Bank Limited. NanoSwitch is a fully integrated banking switch and Card Management System. The press meet started with the ambassador of United Arab Emirates for India and Nepal, Mohamed Sultan Abdalla Al Owais introducing the product and its relevance to Nepali financial sector. “We look forward to a rewarding experience in our partnership with OMA Emirates in creating an indigenous NanoSwitch solution,” said Ashok SJB Rana, CEO of Himalyan Bank Limited. Though the press conference started around half an hour later than the scheduled time, the conference was to the point and short. After the elucidation and function specifications of the product by Parasar Prasai, Niraj Sanjal and Ashok SJB Rana, the meet was concluded with an open platform for the press to put forward their queries. 1. Omran Sultan Al Owais 2. Mohamad Sultan Abdulla Al Owais 3. Parasar Prasai and Niraj Sanjal 4. Ashok SJB Rana 5.

3 4 5 entertainment let the good times begin

Wiz International A pioneer leads the way and More Than Happening takes up a path that is seldom looked at, let alone walked. With Wiz International Prashant Parties galore fill up the city every week. Slowly we have seen the night scene Tamrakar and Rachana Gurung of Kathmandu expand hour by hour as more events are organized and almost Sharma treaded that road, back in 1996! Prashant Tamrakar every western, and eastern holiday under the sun is given a grand send off. takes us back, “To let you know how unique it was back then, We meet some of the people responsible for keeping the denizens awake we had to be registered under and alive through the night, and how there is not just party on their minds. media and entertainment! People didn’t know so much — Abhishek Mishra about event management but they were well aware of parties. We were outsourced a lot of OMG Theme Events events from the beginning and Sudan Gurung, the mind behind OMG, knew there was a lot of profit that’s how it started.” Tamrakar to part with when he started his foray into event management. “Back in who himself started as a model 2008, we organized our first party in Dharan and were treated like pariahs back in 1991 and then a fashion by the locals. That moved me to show that there is another side to why choreographer in 1994 tells us, entertainment and letting loose is necessary. Even though we went into “It was fickle but you could see loss, my vision was clear and we all worked through it” A DJ by profession a prospect even back then. All Gurung started small and just wanted to do something different than what of us had opportunities from was happening. “Five years back I was, and am, a party person but the parties outside as well, but to stay were very monotonous and it seemed the organizers were cautious when here and work on something pushed to do something new. It was then that I thought of doing something new was a challenge and a myself.” responsibility that we were happy to shoulder. Now we see Thus started OMG and is now the name on the lips when you want a hundreds of event management different party. Everything from Masquerade to Jungle to Snow parties, all Prashant Tamrakar companies and the boom of this credited to OMG. “We look to bring different, new themed parties every circuit. We do take a lot of pride month but the work is immense and bringing the concept in your head to Sudan Gurung that through our hardship and toil there is now ample opportunities for reality is hard with limited resources available here,” Gurung adds. His eyes the young generation to sustain a good living and do what they enjoy.” are now on the horizon to make They have also commenced work into Image Management under the something new again, this time it banner of De Runway, a novel concept of educating the youth about how is fixated on organizing a 24-hour to enhance one’s persona and tap into their strengths wherever they may party around the world for Nepalis lie. “With the upcoming Project De Runway, we look to go to many cities from Australia to Nepal to UK to in the next month and bring out the best in this generation, we are very America. “Dhaka topi for the boys is excited about this concept,” Tamrakar concludes. a must,” and he parts with a smile. Contact: 9851046065, [email protected] Contact: 9818988343

Dhoj Bista, Amar Singh Basnet, Adhish Poudel comprise Project A which has a three-pronged purpose of production, promotion events, and events. As Ayush Dhoj Bisht explains, “We could pursue these three aspects as all of us Movies at QFX come from different backgrounds. Our founders and team have all had careers Beautiful Creatures in branding, designing, modelling, and Release Date: 15 February the collective expertise led us to this. A hauntingly intense, We look forward to being more than supernatural love story set just an event management company in the South, the film follows two star-crossed teenage and contribute back to the society lovers: Ethan, a local boy, and a in ways as well.” Aneesh Man Singh mysterious new girl, Lena, who Special Chabbis uncover dark secrets about Murder 3 Basnet says, “We are working with Release Date: 8 February their respective families, their Release Date: 15 February Health Nepal Network, an NGO, history and their town. The film is based on a real life A hot-shot fashion and wildlife for ‘Sahaya’. ‘Sahaya’ is a social event group of con artists who pulled Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Alice photographer Vikram, gets where we look to raise 100 million off many clever robberies during Englert, Viola Davis into a relationship with a Ayush Dhoj Bisht, Aneesh Man Singh Basnet and Amar Singh Basnet 1980’s, and robbed famous Director: Richard waitress, Nisha. They move Nepali rupees for the education businessmen and politicians LaGrovenese in together at his palatial of underprivileged kids.” Basnet by pretending to be the CBI house outside of the city. The Project A or Income tax officers, on the beautiful, old house holds continues, “It is themed as a cocktail pretext of conducting raids. many dark secrets which party and we look forward to seeing Nisha is soon to unearth. A fledgling in the industry but taking long strides is Project A. An Cast: Akshay Kumar, Anupam encouraging norm around the country these days is the youth investing everyone there, lending a helpful hand Kher, Manoj Bajpai, Jimmy Shergill, Cast : Randeep Hooda, Aditi for what is a good cause.” Kajal Aggarwal Rao Hydari, Sara Loren their time and money in event management and gaining that vital Director: Neeraj Pandey Director: Vishesh Bhatt exposure of entrepreneurial income. Aneesh Man Singh Basnet, Ayush Contact: 015553568 entertainment Fr!day Issue 156 | 13 February 2013 13 Simplicity Driven Evolution Diwas Gurung shares the transformation of his music as he learns, experiments and evolves. — Prabal Shrestha “ hat impresses me the most about a band is its musical evolution through west influenced young Nepali listeners, thanks to albums like “Rato Mato”. The bass time,” says Diwas Gurung. The man is mostly known in Nepal for his solo pumping “Sanjha ko belama”, “Akasaima Chaina” with its metal influenced riffs, simple album “Rato Mato”, a symbolic part of the new wave of Nepali folk fusioned but rejuvenated “Asare Mahinama” and “Mai Runchu”, bring the best of two worlds. Wrock music. The album brought classical songs like “Asare Mahina Ma” and But, the well balanced music with both rock influences and the beauty of simplicity did “Lekali” to young listeners, who refuse to listen to anything without the sound of gui- not come that simply to the neo-Nepali folk artist, as he tells me while he explains his tar. Nepali folk songs and distinctive Nepali classical music is no longer foreign to the journey through time alongside different forms of music.

Albatross Ayurveda Through his years in Buddhanil- up with some friends outside the Having played with Albatross Down the Staircase and kantha school, Gurung exclusively school and started the band Al- for just six months, Gurung Homo Luminous listened to western music, despite batross. Soon after, they brought had to leave Nepal in pursuit Later that year, another EP, “Veda”, his father’s classical influences. “I out their first album “Hi:Fly”, the of higher education. He ar- came out, soon followed by an- only listened to music that had metal album reflecting their taste. rived in the US in 2002 and other Ayurveda album “Down the guitar in it, all I listened to was The album is still considered one attended Ithaca College study- Staircase”. The new album sug- metal and rock,” says Gurung. of the stand-out products from the ing economics, where he found gested a new direction the band After his school years, he teamed Nepali underground music scene. few like-minded friends, with was taking, with more pronounced whom he started the band electronic influences as well as Ayurveda. The years with the progressive rock inclination. With RVL Radio band through three albums and the third and the last album that three EPs, was a journey for released in 2010, “Homo Lumi- CHARTS Gurung through various other nous”, the band further plunged forms of music. Their first full into spirituality and sounds in NEPALI CHART album “Being” came out in 2008, their songs evolved to reflect the 1 Nabirsidinu Hai – Navakranti Band following two EPs in 2005 and change. The twenty five minutes, 2 Nagarkot – Mukti & Revival 2006. The first album largely eight-movement, concept piece 3 Soonya – Akshobya portrayed grunge rock flavors takes the listener on a shamanic tracks “Something in the Sky” and 4 Chahanna Ma – Visaan & The Groovers in their music, with numbers journey of humankind’s transfor- “Night Awaits”. 5 Siki Rahechu – Bijay Adhikari like “Universal Mind”, “Pork mation and evolution to a higher Just as the bands that have in- 6 Timro Maya Bina – Rajan Timilsina Chop” and “Placebo”. “When we form for survival. spired Gurung, he is now following 7 Kina – Michelle Pradhan started the band we had grunge his own path of musical evolution, 8 Sikako – Hemanta Rana rock in mind, but by the time we Photoreal always trying to learn and cre- After Ayurveda disbanded, ate something new. When asked 9 Tolai Baschu – Rapsteady Ft. Girish TOP started working on our second album, we were already over it,” Gurung teamed up with Dan Hal- about the most significant change 10 Laija Chari – Yuvraj Chaulagain says Gurung. perin and Mike Parker, (also from in his preference, Gurung answers, 10 Ayurveda) to form Photoreal. The “Appreciation of simplicity. Songs ENGLISH CHART Rato Mato new band, takes a completely dif- don’t always need impressive gui- 1 Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia Ft. John Martin Around this time he had already ferent approach on music creation, tar solos and riffs to be great.” 2 Six Degree Of Seperation – The Script developed a liking for Nepali using software generated sounds to The well rounded songs of “Rato 3 Diamonds – Rihanna folk music, and in May of 2009, create music. “I have always played Mato” were part of this realization 4 Little Things – One Direction he completed the album “Rato the guitar, even vocals came after. and evolution. Looking forward, as 5 Beneath You Beautiful – Labrinth Ft. Emile Sande Mato”, collaborating with few It was a bit hard to drop the guitar Gurung transforms his style again 6 Thift Shop – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Ft. Wanz other Ayurveda members – Dan and start something completely with new Photoreal projects, Gu- 7 Scream & Shout – Will.I.Am Ft. Britney Spears Halperin and Mike Parker. The new, but now with Photoreal I rung is also working on another 8 Locked Out Of Heaven – Bruno Mars rock improvised, neo Nepali folk am doing just that, and I am en- Nepali album. With the different joying the learning process.” As experiences and outlook gathered 9 Madness – Muse music album, came out in Nepal in 2011. Within no time Diwas it is a completely new act for the by Gurung on creating music, we 10 I Knew You Were Trouble – Taylor Swift Gurung became familiar name band members, they are currently can only expect more influences amongst Nepali youth, and old focused on producing content and from more corners of the musical Nepali songs started to reverb releasing singles. Photoreal has in- sphere in his Nepali songs that are the speakers again. troduced one single till date with to come out. ! facebook.com/rvlradio www.rvlradio.com @rvlradio gourfor the adventurous palatemet A Slice of Italy On the occasion of the International Pizza Day celebrated on 9 February, Know the Pizza Avatars Say “pizza”, and the image that pops into our heads is a round Fr!day pays homage to this Italian culinary import that we have made our own. shaped flat bread, topped with tomato sauce, lots of cheese, and — Akriti Shilpakar and Suprasanna Aryal other ingredients like vegetables and bacon. Well, that’s because

Continued from page 1 this is the only version of the pizza that the local palate ended up adopting. The Italians have been innovative about this au- he craze of to please different palates, the vice to ‘create your own pizza’ thentic favorite of theirs, and they serve it up in various shapes the pizza is criticism of messing where you order a basic pizza and sizes: so in-your- around with a with tomato sauce and mozzarel- Tface that in classic recipe la, and then choose and add your —the volcano eateries around is always in favorite toppings,” D’Amato says. Who would have town, even an au- the air. For So, my guess is, Nepali pizze- expected a turnover thentic Newari any Italian an rias are almost there. The little filled with a variety dish like chata- authentic pizza can be tweaks in ‘the sauce and toppings’ of cheese and other mari, is served like found only in Italy. D’Amato is justified as it needs to favor our stuffing to come to a ripped off ver- shares, “The one main reason palates. Because, as we just learnt, their table upon or- sion of a pizza, with sauce and behind the inability to find au- personalization is key to make the dering a pizza? But toppings. What do you know, thentic Italian pizza elsewhere is dish your own. And judging by Stromboli is just even momos are available with the ingredients. For instance, the the popularity of the dish around that. Deriving its name from an active volcano in Italy, the dish pizza filling. And the stories of original Margherita consists of town and the various versions is a wrapped roll of ingredients inside pizza dough. Toppings local adaptations of the pizza tomatoes that grow only in the available, I wouldn’t be wrong in are placed on the dough and is then rolled into a log and baked, don’t begin or end in our country. volcanic plains of Mt Vesuvius in saying that we have made it our and buon appetito! There are mind-boggling variet- Naples. So unless you can get hold own. ! ies of the pizza around the world, The folded-up Calzonelzone each of which carries some spe- But even if it succeeds to please Now, this version mmust’veust’ve been the sim-sim- cial element of the place with it. plest to come up with—theyth—they foldefoldedd different palates, the criticism of the pizza into half. Yes,es, “folded

Zen D’Amato, General Manager Food Courtesy: Himalayan Pizza, Thamel of Himalayan Pizza elaborates, messing around with a classic recipe pizza” to put it simply,ly, CalCal-- “The main reason why there are is always in the air. zone is a sandwich-sizedh-sized so many different kinds of piz- dish, which is half-moon-moon zas around the world, in different of those tomatoes, you can never shaped. This versionon can shapes, sizes, toppings, dough and make a true authentic Margheri- HimalayanHimalay Pizza be good news if youu are in crust etc, is that everyone wants ta. Same goes for the mozzarella Himalayan Pizza offers innovative a hurry; you can haveave it onon-- pizzas that include distinctive Nepali the-go since your toppingsppings won’t be to personalize according to one’s cheese. In Italy the mozzarella ingredients, such as Bitter gourd, individual taste.” She continues, is derived from milk of Italian Soybeans, Paneer, Mutton, Buff etc. dribbling off as theyy would be from the regularregular “Then of course it depends on cows, in the plains of North/ Varieties that you won’t find in other pizza slices. pizzerias in town include the Sweet, the culture. For example in the Central Italy, and patiently hand Fruit and Chocolate Pizzas. On Miniature Pizzette USA, the most sold pizza is the processed by people who have the occasion of International Pizza Literally meaning ‘’ which means salami learned the secrets and tricks of Day, which falls on 9 February, the eatery will be featuring an ‘Eat As “small pizzas” in Ital- toppings. In Sicily the most fa- the trade over generations.” Much As You Like’ Pizza Buffet for ian, the Pizzette come mous pizza is the ‘Frutti di Mare’ According to her, there are only Rs. 495 per person and Rs. 225 in way smaller sizes which literally means ‘fruits of some Italian Restaurants around for children under the age of ten. Available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, than you usually get the sea’, referring to , the world who come very close in the buffet will include a large variety to see. This dish is since the fishermen in Sicily are preparing the authentic pizza, es- of pizzas with various toppings. A easy and quicker to known to find the best seafood in pecially because they have Italian fabulous competition is arranged for the day as well, where winners will prepare, and eat as the Mediterranean.” management and chefs, and if the win free dinner prizes. well! It can also be sa- But the road of personaliza- country is close enough to be able Location: Thamel, Near Hotel vored as appetizers. These tiny goodies are obviously a hit with tion isn’t as easy as to import the main ingredients Manang; Contact: 4701371 the kids. it looks. Of course freshly. Also wood fire oven plays there is the risk an important part in the crispness of it falling flat of the dough. But most Nepali on its face. pizzerias don’t have any of the Your pizza fix But even if mentioned above. So, does that Among the many, many eateries that serve pizzas, here are a specialty is KC’s pizza costing Rs. 400. You can also opt for it succeeds mean, Kathmanduites have still to few restaurants along with their specialty offerings: Mixed pizza (Rs. 450) or Salami pizza (Rs. 375). taste the authentic Italian pizza? Alchemy Location: Thamel “As far as Pizzerias in Kathmandu Signature cuisines of this Italian restaurant are Contact: 4701387 (Rs. 430), Tuna and Onion Pizza (Rs. 415), Capricciosa (Rs. are concerned, I believe that 430) and Quattro Stagioni (Rs. 425), plus taxes. The smoky La Dolce Vita many of them have specially flavors of these wood fire pizzas add more to the taste. With checkered tablecloths and Italian décor, this restaurant designed wood fire ovens Location: Thamel paints an Italian picture around you while you try their oven- Contact: 4218472 baked pizzas. Their comes for Rs. 465 plus and they serve a small service charges. selection of typical Ital- Galleria Café Location: Thamel ian pizzas, for example, Sip a warm cup of cappuccino at the café while you wait for your pizza to come to your table. Try the Mixed pizza, which Contact: 4700612 Margherita, Funghi, is priced at Rs. 400, as they claim it’s their specialty. Quattro Formaggi, Fire and Ice Location: Thamel This place has earned a name for itself for what many would Capricciosa, etc. Contact: 4273999 consider the best pizzas in town. If a combo of cold ice- Some of them Roadhouse Café cream and a hot pizza is what you wish for, opt for Fire and provide the ser- Not a new name to us, you can choose a convenient branch Ice. Although relatively expensive, most would agree that from the four locations they are now open at. This chain is the pizza there is worth it. known for their wood fire pizzas. Among the many options Location: Sanchaya Kosh, Thamel available the Margarita and the Mixed pizza are available for Contact: 4250210 around Rs. 435 and Rs. 775 respectively. Location: Thamel, Pulchowk, Bhatbhateni, Bouddha The Pizza Hut franchise is known for innovative pizzas, Contact: 4267885 so the variety should ensure that there’s something for Tranzit Woodfire Pizza everyone. Try one of their Tuscany pizzas from their Italian This place serves quite a variety of pizzas, but the ‘Make your inspired menu, and wash it down with one of the refreshing own pizza’ option here ensures you don’t have to pick out beverages—makings of a great meal! and remove the toppings you detest. You get to choose four Location: Durbar Marg, Tripureshwor of the toppings from the long list printed on the menu and Contact: 4226107 costs Rs. 450 (Veg) and Rs. 550 (Non-Veg). You can also go for Mixed Pizza, non-veg (Rs. 570), Seafood Pizza, non-veg (Rs Little Italy 595), Meat Lovers’ Pizza (Rs. 550) or California Pizza (Rs. 520). This India-based restaurant chain specializes in vegetarian Location: Tridevi Marg, Thamel Italian cuisines. The ingredients are directly imported from Contact: 9801032067 Italy. Go for Pizza Sicilla (Rs. 430), Pizza Napolli (Rs. 440) or Pizza Mellino (Rs. 470) KC’s Restaurant If you were looking for hot pan pizzas, this Location: Durbar Marg is the place where you’ll find them. Their Contact: 4233577,4233578 gourmet Fr!day Issue 156 | 13 February 2013 15

vicinity picks A Rather Meaty Affair With all due respect to the vegetarians out there, in this issue we look at restaurants through the lens of a meat-lover.

— Akriti Shilpakar

Hotel Gangjong, a Tibetan inspired hotel, is perhaps ever, boast more of meaty delights. At a time when the the only vegetarian hotel that I know of. While they streets of Lazimpat look like a war-zone with the road are promoting healthy living through vegetarianism in expansion project in full throttle, we scour through the their restaurants—Karsay Khang and Rooftop Garden locality around Hotel Gangjong for eateries that would Restaurant, the rest of the eateries in this locality, how- have non-vegetarians thrilled.

Bhumi The restaurant is known for its Newari cuisine. The decor of the place, however, is nowhere near the cliches that most Newari restaurants follow. The laid back ambience is triggered by their comfortable cane furniture in the setting of Mithila art on the walls. What many people may not be aware of is that they have a range of Indian dishes on their menu. So mix it up a little bit: try their Samay Baji Set and Chicken Hazarabi Kebab. Newari snacks like chatamari, bara, choyella, hyakula and piro aalu can be found amongst some other Indian snacks. With a well-stocked bar, Bhumi also has an array of cocktails and mocktails including the popular Long Island Ice Tea and Marliantrits. They also assist small events and celebrations so call them if you are planning for one. You can ring them at 4412193. Location: From Tushita, Bhumi is around 50 meters away on the same lane.

Nepali Chulo The name gives away all the mystery. And yes, this restaurant is dedicated to serving authentic Nepali cuisine to its customers, regardless where they come from. Nepali Thali and Newari set is what the kitchen here is busy preparing everyday for both lunch and dinner. They are open for lunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm again for dinner. Chatamari, choyella and the Nepali favorite momo is available among the large variety of snacks served. Pair them with the range of fine spirits from their bar, while you enjoy the visual treat put up by the cultural performances after 7:00 pm. Location: Take the alley adjacent to Hotel Gangjong. You will see Nepali Chulo before Ringmo you can reach it. An impressive 42 years and running, Ringmo is a much beloved restaurant for manyh. In fact many were concerned about its existence when the road expansion project hit Lazimpat. Having said that let me give you the bad news first. Ringmo suffered for four months while the project amputated its forefront entrance and seating area. Now, the good news: Ringmo reopened a month ago and is alive and smelling as good as before. Chowmein and Pork Chop are doing great and so is the rest of the menu. Breakfast in Ringmo is mostly dominated by the American culture, so a lot of bacon, beans, potatoes and pancakes should be expected. The menu price is unhurt by the expansion and still ranges from Rs. 95 to Rs. 345. Location: When you head 20 meters south from Hotel Gangjong, Ringmo is on your left. Trisara A very green outdoor and the interiors done in warm hues with abstract Budhhas, Trisara is tucked away from the dust and grit of the demolition and construction of Lazimpat’s main road. The name means ‘the third garden in Heaven’ in Sanskrit and the pleasant oasis seems to strive for just that. However, this laidback ambience comes to life time and again with various events held here: there have been fashion shows, parties, concerts, and live music evenings. At your service from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm everyday of the week, Trisara is known for its Thai dishes. Also try their special Burmese and Dragon Chicken. With a well-stocked bar, the eatery concocts a range of cocktails and mocktails: Dream of Love and Coconut Kiss are their bar special. Location: Leave Ringmo on your left and walk past Standard Tushita Chartered Bank on Many think Tushita is a your right. Trisara Japanese restaurant; probably is a few minutes’ owing to how its name walk away sounds. But the name actually on your comes from the Tibetan left. language, which means ‘peace of mind’. And the eatery does reflect that in a location which looks bombarded; thanks to road expansion. But for a Tibetan inclined Location: When you head north from the outlook and name, the Hotel, Tushita is around 60 meters away on eatery’s menu is dominated the right. by meaty dishes. Their specialty is Chicken bacon salad and Bangkok chicken. Many customers love the Pork sizzler here as well. The menu also has Continental, Nepali, Indian cuisines among others and the price ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 450. Although they don’t entertain home deliveries, they are on foodmandu. If you are visiting the place yourself, remember they are open for service from noon to 10:00 pm.

gourmet Fr!day Issue 156 | 13 February 2013 17

food promotion ADVERTISEMENT Pleasant is the Word A variety of quick bites to accompany a cup of coffee or tea in the pleasant indoors lit by an abundance of natural light—Akuj Bakery has all the essentials for a popular café in the making. — Suprasanna Aryal Manjita Thapa, the Chef’s Recommendation: co-owner shared that Cheesecake their items are made Plain croissant of sour dough bread, Chicken Pesto Panini Sandwich which is a healthier Honey and Peanut butter option. Go for French Muffin rolls, croissants or cinnamon rolls, and and white baguettes are among for a slightly heavier the variety of breads they offer. take, try out their spe- Try the zucchini quiche and the cial flavored yoghurt tuna quiche if you’re looking for baked and topped with a filling savory option. And the strawberry. Their perfect complement to this varied rich cheesecakes are menu is a cup of illy prepared in a must-try, every your favorite style—cappuccino, spoonful melts in your latte or anything else you like. mouth as soon as you And if you prefer tea, you needn’t have one and the choc- be disappointed; they offer Dam- olaty base made out of mann Freres in around eight crumbled biscuits will different flavors. And if you end soon dominate the up developing a taste for either cheesy flavor, leaving of the brands, they even sell illy you craving for more. and Dammann Freres in the at- The white choco- tractive packaging they come in. kuj Bakery opened its late truffle, white forest, white They even have coffee machines shutters for its customers chocolate mousse and crumbled for household and commercial use at Gairidhara two months apple pie on display are also for sale along with coffee mugs Aago, and passer-bys often equally tempting, all with beau- and cup sets on display. drop in tempted by the lure of the tiful garnishing and impressive Overall, the bright and laid cafés ambience. From pleasant in- presentation. If you were bored back ambience with a menu teriors, a varied playlist playing in of the limited range of muffins limited to their specialty bak- the right volume, quick bites and at other places, the display of ery products, this place seems dulcifying desserts, to hospitable muffins with flavors like vanilla, ideal for people looking to spend waiters—this place ticks all the oat meal, blueberry, multigrain, some time on the laptop, read a right boxes. The spacious indoors cinnamon, pistachio, honey and book, or catch-up with friends with minimalistic furnishing and peanut butter, and whole wheat over a beverage and a quick glass enclosure revealing the among others is definitely good bite. ! street and the building’s park- news. Jars of cookies add to the ing space is flooded with natural already tempting display; you can light. You can order from the choose from chocolate, semolina, menu written on black board with and oat meal. chalk which features a variety of The sandwiches made out of savory dishes. Ciabatta, multigrain baguettes “We want to satisfy our customers with a whole new experience with the assortment in our food items and also from a collection of materials we have on display for sale.”— Manjita Thapa, Co-owner bamarkets & launcheszaar

Decline in tourists’ about the merging of these two signed by the Sultanate of Oman companies and was signed by the and India to meet the demand Winner of CG Open arrival in Nepal Chairmen of both the banks. The for the increased demand for Golf tournament According to Nepal Tourism Board, function was held in the presence air services between the two the arrival of tourists in Nepal in of the Directors, Joint merger countries, this new move runs On 2 February, Tashi Dong (Tsering) the current year has declined by Committee members, promoters parallel with the company’s similar won the first position at the CG Open 15.9 percent. Aggregate results and officials of both the banks. agreement with Pakistan for the Golf Tournament held at Gokarna Golf have shown a decline in the Subject to approval of the Annual same. These agreements aim Club. Tashi, a former national player number of tourists from Asian General meeting of both the to increase the flights of Oman and skipper of Manang Marshyandi countries besides South Asia. This banks and appropriate regulatory airways from Muscat to Delhi and Club scored 42 points to achieve a has been observed as a decrease authorities, the agreement process Muscat to Lahore on a daily basis. four-stroke victory over Joo Sook by 16.4 percent in total. It also took six months. This merger Two of these new aircrafts have Choi. Tashi also won the most birdies includes China with 40 percent is believed to be a beneficial 12 seating capacity in the business award on count back with three birdies of its visitors to Nepal this year. move towards the betterment class and 150 in the economy class. on hole two, three and seven, against Surprisingly, countries like Japan, of both the companies and their bogeys on hole 11 and 16. Joo Sik Choi Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and stakeholders by their concerned came second with 38 points. Suryansh South Korea had an increment authorities. Get a chance to win Chaudhary won the third position with in the number of visitors to gold on the purchase 37 points in the main category. Other Nepal this year. Tourists from the titleholders were Ang Tshiring Sherpa European market declined by 15 Oman Offers a of TVS bikes (best gross award with 37 points), Arati percent this year besides UK, which Special Companion CG Automobiles (AIT Pvt. Ltd.) Rana (women’s section trophy with 33 still has a figurative increase of has introduced an offer on its TVS points), Lt. Gen KNS Thapa (senior section title with 34 points) and 6.6 percent. Tourist arrivals from Scheme bikes. It is applicable under three Sandesh Khanal (maiden trophy in junior section with 38 points). Australia, New Zealand and USA schemes. Buyers can get a chance Other winners included Einhaus Shrestha (longest drive) and Kiran have increased significantly by to win gold worth Rs. 250,000 from Dangal (closest to the pin). A total of 88 golfers including six women 27.3 percent, 25 percent and 13 a lucky draw. In addition, discount and five junior players took part in the tournament. Prizes were percent though. But Canada has a of Rs. 9,000 is applicable on each distributed by Nirvana Chaudhary, MD of Chaudhary Group. negative growth of 27.4 percent as buy of TVS bike. On buying any of compared to January 2012. the TVS scooters, consumers will get a Rs. 7,000 discount as well. This third winners of the lucky draw will facilities for buyers include a non- will be provided for three of the get 100 percent, 75 percent and requirement of income source NIC bank merges bikes (including Apache) and two 50 percent cash back respectively. documents while purchasing a Oman Air is offering a Special scooters that the company sells. The models in which the offers are house priced below Rs. 10 million; with Bank of Asia Companion scheme for Business Offer Duration: Limited period valid are Xtreme and Achiever with 50 percent reduction in the capital class for a certain duration, from 1 Rs. 8,500 discount, Super Splendor gain tax than the amount previously February to 20 February. According Availalble at: Teku (all authorized with Rs. 7,500 discount, Splendor allocated by the company; easy to the scheme, you can travel with a showrooms) Pro and Pleasure with Rs. 6,000 home loan facility from banks while companion and avail a special discount. Contact: 4253661 And travel can be completed by 31 May discount. purchasing houses priced below Rs. 2013. Offer duration: Limited Period only 10 million. Hero’s ‘Dimag Available at: Any Hero motorcycle Offer duration: Limited Period Two additions in the outlet Available at: Civil Complex, Kharab’ offer Contact: 4212415, 42555565 Soalteemode Oman Airways fleet With its continuation this week as Contact: 4030726, 4030627 A function held at the Hotel Yak & Adding two more aircrafts, Oman well, Hero MotoCorp has offered Yeti on the 31 January concluded Airways has reached a total of 30 a sure shot cash discount and a Win up to Rs. with an official agreement between Boeing 737-800s. As followed by lucky draw that takes place every NIC bank and Bank of Asia. It was fifteen days. The first, second and 200,000 on Yamaha’s For more market news the Memorandum of Association facebook photo contest Morang Auto Work is hosting a facebook contest that is titled ‘like every Friday my style’. Contestants will have to upload uploads their stylish photos with their Yamaha bike and friends in Yamaha Nepal’s facebook page to be a part of the competition. Also, just by liking the company’s page will make you eligible to win an iPhone 5 from a lucky draw that will be hosted every 15 days. Winners of the contest are officially announced live on the musical TV program titled ‘Play it on reloaded’ on NTV Plus at 5:00 pm every Sunday. Offer duration: yet to be announced www.facebook.com/yamahanepal

Grand launching offer of Rs. 6,700,000 at Civil Colony Marking Civil Homes’ phase 5, Civil Colony is offering a launching rate for its housings in Sunakothi. Bungalows featured by the colony have 3 bedrooms, kitchen, dining, living rooms, launder area, puja room, open terrace, backyard, front lawn, car porch etc. Various

D.A.O. Lalitpur Regd. No.77-066/67 ECS Media Pvt. Ltd, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal. 5011571. No. 156 13 February 2013

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inspiration, back in the ‘60s and ‘70s these gowns were very much in trend. Fashion Flashback: But today we see girls wearing long gowns for their prom nights. Fashion is all about updates, so I thought why not design these gowns and keep alive the The Runway in Retrospect theme of prom night. — Akriti Shilpakar Why a "winter collection" towards the end of the winter season? One of the leading designers in Nepal, Subexya Bhadel loves the work of Bhadel: Winter didn’t happen this year only. It comes every year. And talking EVENT Alexander McQueen and admits that he has a strong influence on her de- about cold in Kathmandu, mornings and evenings are still freezing. Winter signs. Although for a fair amount of time, her various fashion shows in coats are something I called treasures; you buy them, keep them safe, and wear town did keep her in the forefront of fashion news, it was the gown she them when they are needed. Coats are not only made for winter, monsoon is designed for Miss Earth Nepal 2012, Nagma Shrestha which won the best also coming so we surely can use them for coming seasons too. formal wear in the Miss Earth pageant that brought all eyes on her. And she hasn’t Why did you use two showstoppers for a single looked back since. Her recent solo fash- sequence? ion show, The Runway held on 26 January Bhadel: Unique. A small effort to change the pres- at Radisson Hotel, saw a huge turnout of ent scenario. We see in fashion shows that there are fashion enthusiasts. We reflect on the same one or two showstoppers, so I thought why not two event and ask Bhadel about some of its showstopper in one sequence as we have lots and highs and lows: lots of beautiful celebrities in town. I think every- body agrees on that. The show started way off the scheduled time. What caused the delay? The music complimented the sequences well. Bhadel: Well, this is not uncommon in any What went behind the planning of the chore- fashion show happening in Kathmandu. ography? But, yes, I must apologize for making people Bhadel: It all happened because of our very talented wait. I think to make any excuses and giv- and very unique—the best choreographer Bipen Mick- ing reasons are not good at all. So, will keep ey Gurung, and our very dearest DJ Rabbit (Raban). this in mind and will assure that it won’t I described to them what I wanted for the sequences happen in my upcoming shows. and they did justice towards music and choreography. Bow to the choreographer. What was your inspiration and intention behind the “dreamy gown” sequence? In retrospect would you have done anything dif- How would you describe the flamboyant ferently? dresses in the sequence? Bhadel: I’m happy. I did justice towards what I Bhadel: Dreamy gown was especially was aiming to do. I got appreciations, which is an designed for all the teenage girls. Most col- achievement. And about doing it differently, I’d leges and schools have started the tradition like to say nobody is perfect, we fall and rise, we of prom nights; I thought I could dedicate make mistake and we learn. So moving forward and these fun and cute gowns to them. As for learning is what I always do. ! highspiritsfor the love of drinking

because it is not drinkable, but In ancient China, Shejiu was ers over pitchers) of this one but With a Hint of Poison because the Chinese don’t like used as an ointment—but that you would be wrong. An average to ‘hide’ the content of the wine. did not stop the curious Chi- Shejiu drinker would take a glass Even as it is called ‘Snake wine’ nese inventors from tasting the of the clear liquid and make sure in the language we are comfort- ointment and discovering the ef- that it is spread all over his body. able with, if you loom your eyes fects. As such, Shejiu is called the How? Imagine Shejiu like a vapor around the clear jar of Shejiu, Jadibuti or the ‘herb’ at the Tato- rub. You slather some on your you will see black-brown pieces pani border for this very reason. chest, some on your knees, gargle of barks from some tree, some People there take Shejiu to keep the clear liquid and ‘gulp’. That’s veined roots and leaves, and with the chill at bay. Its strong smell about it. A pitcher of Shejiu (if them the corpses of sea-water can get rid of any sinusitis feel, consumed by only a single per- turtles, lizards, toads, frogs, help you clear the throat, loosen son) would last years. moths, gnats, locusts, and get the bone joints making them Pema Jyamyang runs a ‘hotel’ this—caterpillars! chill-proof and as all alcoholic where I had the opportunity to Before your guts start creat- drinks do—keep you warm! have the local Shejiu, i.e. Ger- ing a scene in your throat, let me assure you—Shejiu tastes bet- You slather some on your chest, some ter than any wine, at least that’s Illustration: Illustration: Anjan Ale what I felt. And by chance if you on your knees, gargle the clear liquid gather enough courage (or if you and ‘gulp’. That’s about it. bear that YOLO character alto- — Bijaya Adhikari gether) to actually have it, don’t Body fluids running inside rah. The pitcher that stored the mistake it for a wine, because a any cold blooded creature help spirit had—as expected—an en- 60ml gulp is enough to make keep them warm during the cold. tire snake, a turtle, a few local “ et it away from my face!” this side of the border, is the your legs do the Tibetan Tscham These fluids insulate the body of insects, and tree roots and barks. squealed my mother locally brewed Shejiu—known Tscham. any cold blooded creature from I asked her whether people from when I drew a glass of worldwide as the infamous Snake Shejiu alcohol is a rice wine, the chill so that they can hiber- Kathmandu drink the alcohol. GGerrah from the pitcher wine. Yes, if you have flicked which obviously means it is nate. Shejiu oxidizes these fluids Her answer was a plain ‘No’. In it was stored in. through Nat Geo, Discovery or stronger than any other local and dilutes them in the alcohol, fact she was rather surprised to “Yuck, yuck and triple yuck”, Fox Traveller, every now and brews. It has the ability to break and when consumed, the fluids why I was even interested in the my mother’s disgust was com- then, you know what I am talk- down any protein and dissolve it. then flow in our veins. We in drink. I said I wanted to boast plemented equally by my wife, ing about—an alcohol that has a Snake venom, lizard poison, toad turn, keep ourselves warm. to people back home that I had who shivered with revulsion. full length snake inside it. poison, any other organic poison Let me retrace my article and something ‘unusual’. She snig- Visit the Tatopani border Let’s draw parallels. The that has high concentration of tell you that Shejiu is rather too gered. Her quick laugh was a during the winter days, and that Japanese answer to Shejiu is protein, you name it. Shejiu dis- strong an alcohol. So, expect the proof—people there don’t find would be a common sight among Habushu. While the brewing solves it all. And once the protein unexpected if you see a regu- the juices extracted from snakes the Kathmanduities who take a technique for both these liquors is diluted, the spirit is able to dis- lar Shejiu consumer. You might or toads or gnats that uncom- quick trip to the area. For Ger- is almost similar, Shejiu has solve stronger proteins, making think that a prolific drinker would mon. We eat chicken, they drink rah, or Jadibuti as it is called on gained more ‘notoriety’—not the alcohol virtually ‘immortal’. go bottles over bottles (or pitch- snakes. Simple !