Friday, September 30, 2016

Profile of The Month: Mario Stanic, GM of Royal Tulip Gunung Geulis

Unlike Jakarta that seems to be brimming with every luxury hotel brand opening a branch, Bogor had been on the lacking side with its luxury hotel options. Until in earlier 2016, when the much awaited Royal Tulip, the luxury brand of the international hotel group Louvre International, finally opened their first five star hotel to the public. We reached out to the General Manager of the hospital, no less, Mr. Mario Stanic, who was more than happy to introduce the new hotel that he currently manages.

mario_stanic_gm_royal_tulip_gunung_geulis

Congratulations for the opening! Tell us a little bit yourself!

Thank you! My name is Mario Stanic, the General Manager of Royal Tulip Gunung Geulis, Bogor. I’ve been a hotelier for 30 years now. I grew up in Australia, went to hotel school there, and had my first job in Sydney. I had my first international job in Chile, Santiago, in 1994. I’ve been traveling around the world ever since, and Indonesia is my 12th country.

Is this your first time in Indonesia?

Actually, no. I was in Lombok last year until I moved to Bogor to as part of Royal Tulip Gunung Geulis’ pre-opening team since October last year, until it opened May this year. It has been a really exciting year.

How do you like Bogor so far?

I love it! It is 800 meters higher than Jakarta, so it is nice and cool, with fresh air and much less pollution. It rains a lot, with lots of beautiful scenery and green. And what I like about it too is if I want to get some city life, I’m one hour away (in the right time of the day!) from Jakarta where I can get great bars, restaurants, lots of good places to go. Bogor is a great location, I’m really enjoying it. For my villa to the office is like a two minutes commute.

Tell us a little bit about Royal Tulip.

Royal Tulip is part of an international group called Louvre International Hotels, the fifth largest hotel group in the world. We are the second largest group in Europe, which is where our base is. The company started with Golden Tulip in the 60s, and it started from there. We have just been acquired by a Chinese company, so we’re currently in a huge expansion program and planning to have our Asian head office in China soon.

Louvre International Indonesia started about 4 years ago with one hotel, and now we currently have 16 in Indonesia and our property is the first five star brand of the group in Indonesia. We opened officially on May the 9th this year, and since then have opened another Royal Tulip in Ubud about a month ago, and a third one is coming to Bali in October.  The company plans to have 30 by next two to three years in Indonesia.

royal-tulip-gunung-geulis_bogor4

What’s your hotel’s positioning in Bogor/Jakarta market?

We are currently the only 5 star international hotel in Puncak-Bogor area, as currently there are only 2 international groups in the area, and we are the only international level 5 star.

Do you focus on golf leisure market?

Golf is not our primary, but definitely one of the markets we’d like to attract. Leisure market from Jakarta remains our main and biggest market.  Having said that, our hotel is the only hotel where you can walk to one of the many golf courses in the area, in our case, the Gunung Geulis golf course, which has been there for more than 15 years and is one of the first golf courses in the area. It is definitely a unique selling point for us.

royal-tulip-gunung-geulis_bogor2

How do you like Jakarta?

Growing up in Sydney, I’ve always like the vibe of big cities. So I do love Jakarta and I like to go to its restaurants, bars, and clubs. You also have great shopping options, both Jakarta and Bali. I would love to visit more places in Indonesia, but I haven’t had the time.

You’ve spent your professional career going all over the world, what draws you to the business?

What I like about the hotel business is, never one day is the same. When I started, my first job was a bartender in Sydney. I loved it! I was 19 years old, I had a great time. I love the energy surrounding the business, the unpredictability. It’s very unique and different. It does have long hours, and you work on holidays, etc., so you really have to be passionate about it. And after 30 years, I am still passionate about it. It also affords me 30 years of traveling around the world!

Tips for a Bogor weekend getaway?

For people living in Jakarta especially, as I said before, Bogor is a perfect getaway for its weather, clean air, it is also very tranquil, and a place where you can do a lot of outdoor activity to relax and unwind. Our resort especially, we have a world class spa, steam room, pedicure and manicure facilities. Perfect for couples too. We have a jogging track, gym, and we’re planning to open up biking track. You obviously can play golf in 2 of the world class golf courses nearby. For children, we have a kid’s center, 3 different swimming pools. We also have great restaurant options that offer both authentic Indonesian food and western options.

For yourself, how do you like to unwind?

I like to travel if I have the time, go the movies, I like racket sports, squash and tennis, and on my days off, I like to come to Jakarta and try good restaurants and enjoy myself.

5 words to describe yourself?

Energetic, perfectionist (which can be good and bad thing!), friendly, passionate, and sporty.

What’s New Jakarta would like to thank Mario Stanic and his team for the interview. For more information about Royal Tulip Gunung Geulis, visit http://ift.tt/2dwfjAV



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Swiss-Belinn Kemayoran – BaReLo 20% OFF

DO AN, Exotic and Healthy Vietnamese Restaurant

DO AN comes from a Vietnamese word which simply means “Food”. Offering fresh ingredients and applying traditional cooking method, the restaurant is trying to capture a casual Vietnamese authentic food and basic recipes.

doan-kemangOne of their specialties is Goi Cuon, a fresh spring roll with a unique taste of the fresh rice papers. They are filled with rice noodles, chicken, prawn, and vegetables. For main course, DO AN is well known for its COM TAM or broken rice, accompanied with grilled chicken, steamed egg roll and of course NUOC NAM – Traditional Vietnamese fish sauce.

doan-kemang-part2If you are looking to satisfy your hunger, try BUN BO HUE, a beef noodle soup with strong flavors and texture. The dish comes from the central region and is believed to be the dish served for Kings at those time. It is certainly not easy to cook and it has unique herbs and earthy spices. All of DO AN’s soups are cooked between seven to eight hours.

As their best seller, PHO BO is definitely a must try when you visiting DO AN. This beef noodle soup is a soup based flat rice noodle with a choice of fresh thin sliced meat, shank and brisket mostly enjoyed with bean sprout, fresh herbs, dice of lime and cut fresh chilies.

doan-kemang-part3To make your visit more memorable at DO AN, there is this Vietnamese Iced Coffee called CA PHE SUA DA. With secret recipe, it creates a delicate coffee blend but with slightly strong flavor and sensation. The unique taste is addictive and unforgettable.

Surely Vietnamese food are rich in texture, unique ,and considerably healthy. With a wide selection of soup, salad, and spring roll with less fried food, Vietnamese food really does contribute to a less cholesterol and more fiber. They also have a good balance between protein and carbohydrate!

So if you are looking for a special meal, come to DO AN and experience the exotic!

DO AN Vietnamese Restaurant @ Menteng Square
Jl. HOS. Cokroaminoto No.78 Menteng Central, Ground floor
Phone: 021 390 8898

DO AN Vietnamese Restaurant @ Kelapa Gading
Kelapa Gading Mall 3, Ground floor unit 58B
Phone: 021 4585 3609

DO AN Vietnamese Restaurant Pantai Indah Kapuk
Rukan Gold Coast Blok B 26-29, Bukit Golf Mediterania
Phone: 021 290 32903
Open daily: 10AM – 10PM

Facebook: http://ift.tt/2drCtD9



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Thursday, September 29, 2016

8 Meat Shops in Jakarta

Jakarta has tons of steak houses, but for carnivores and meat lovers alike, nothing beats cooking and grilling your own piece of steak. Especially if you are catering for a large group, it is best to buy and bulk, and to actually know what you’re getting to. Here are some of the recommended meat shops in Jakarta you can check out for the best cut of meat:

1. Indoguna Meatshop

indoguna_meatshop

Indoguna is the main distributor for imported meat in Indonesia. This means you will get oneof the best price around to buy US, Australian, and New Zealand meat in all kinds of cuts, frozen or fresh, seafood, and other imported products, almost one third of other grocery stores’ price. They also have a simple bistro on the second floor where you can enjoy the meat you purchase downstairs.

Jl. Cipaku 1 No.11, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12170
Phone: 7222050

2. Goodwins Butchery

meatshops_in_jakarta_goodswyn

established in 2008, Goodwins is an online home based family business specializing in home delivery of most meats and associated products including home-made quality products. Sells mostly Australian meat, some NZ and US in various cuts, as well as Pork, Lamb, poultry, home-processed meat such as sausages, meat pies, bacons, hams, etc.

Phone: +628111697071 +628111977711
goodwinsbutchery@gmail.com
http://ift.tt/2dFZfLF
BUSINESS HOURS: Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 16.00

3. Stevan Meatshop

stevan_meatshop_in_jakarta

Meat shop, groceries store and restaurant, all in one place.  including US Beef, Australian Angus Beef, Wagyu Beef, and Local Prime Beef. In addition we also provide imported fish(Sea Bass, Salmon, Halibut, Black Cod, and Trout), local fish from Makassar(red snapper, white snapper, grouper, barramundi, and tuna), seafood, organic chicken, etc.Home BBQ Service. We can serve any type of BBQ party up to 1000 people.

Jl. Aries Raya no 3B (samping tol kebun jeruk), Puri Kembangan, West Jakarta
Phone: (021) 5890 8613

Flavor Bliss 2 Unit 7 – Alam Sutera
Phone: (021) 3170 4350

Facebook: stevanmeatshops
Twitter: stevanmeatshops
http://ift.tt/2dcJLfN

4. Bro & Co.

onlinegroceryshoppingjakarta

Established in 2012, Bro & Co. specializes in gourmet dry-aged-steak of various sizes, home made meat pies, and some selection of pasta.

instagram: @thebroandco
Phone: +62 878 878 28 039
Twitter & LINE: thebroandco
BB PIN: 73FADA0C
E-mail: order@thebroandco.com
www.thebroandco.com



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Swiss-belhotel Airport – Hugo Lounge 25% OFF

Inaugural Exhibition of Jang Jang Joe “The Impressionist’s Journey”

Jang Jang Joe is an Indonesian born talented artist painter who is now an Australian citizen. One of his trademark is his efficient brush strokes that are full of colors, which remind you slightly to those of Vincent Van Gogh. His mature technique made his work full of beauty and able to leave deep emotional impression to viewers. Has been successfully won a place in fine art market and collectors, now Jang Jang Joe decided to return to Indonesia, which he stated always inspired him heavily.

kuvera_jang-jang-joe_2Under Kuvera Fine Art, Jang Jang Joe is having an Inaugural Exhibition “The Impressionist’s Journey” at Tugu Kuntskring Paleis, Menteng from 26 September – 12 October 2016. According to Jang, the exhibition will be able to show his figurative journey as a painter as he tried different mediums and technique before falling in love with oil paintings. At the same time, Jang will also show his journey to various interesting places around the world that recorded in his paintings.

kuvera_jang-jang-joe_3For Kuvera Fine Arts, the exhibition means a lot as Jang is their first under care artist. The art dealer and advisory acts as exclusive manager to fine art quality painters with distinctive style. Kuvera also offers paintings inventory database and unique authentication system to protect registered collectors and painters against forgery.

kuvera_jang-jang-joe_5Not only introducing Jang Jang Joe to Indonesia’s fine art world, the exhibition also aims to raise fund for the needy through Lions Club Jakarta Selatan Matteyya’s humanitarian program by successfully auctioning 2 of Jang’s painting in the opening night event. Through accomplished technique, Jang’s work is full of high aesthetic value and tremendous investment value for any collector.



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CASA MEXICO Discount 10% OFF

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Marriott International’s Expanded Portfolio of 30 Leading Hotel Brands

Sets New Global standard for Unrivaled Travel Experiences and Expanded Loyalty Benefits

Jakarta, Indonesia, 27 September 2016 – Today, the most iconic and visionary name in hospitality, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), expands to include 30 of the most desirable and prestigious hotel brands with the addition of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

At a time when travelers place even greater emphasis on enriching and personal experiences, they can now choose from the most diverse selection of hotel brands ever. With more than 5,700 hotels and 1.1 million rooms in over 110 countries across the globe, guests now have access to the best hotels and resorts wherever they travel.

Members of Marriott’s leading loyalty programs, Marriott Rewards – which includes The RitzCarlton Rewards – and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), are also invited to link their accounts at members.marriott.com to enjoy the benefits, recognition and experiences each program has to offer. Members will have their status matched across programs and be able to transfer and redeem points across programs for travel to more destinations than ever before. Members who link their accounts will be able to transfer points at a three-to-one ratio (three Marriott Rewards points = one SPG Starpoint) between the programs for redemption stays or on the Marriott Rewards Experiences Marketplace or SPG’s Moments platform.

le-meridien-jakarta-associate-celebration-day-one-marriott-internationalMr. Kanit Sangmookda, General Manager of Le Meridien Jakarta, celebrating with associates Marriott International’s successful completion of the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., creating the world’s largest hotel company while providing unparalleled guest experience.



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Manhattan Hotel – Central Park Restaurant Discount 20% OFF

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New Dining Spot: Li Feng at The Mandarin Oriental

Previously known as Xin Hwa, Mandarin Oriental recently announced announcing the opening of their new Chinese restaurant Li Feng, Jakarta’s newest dining destination that serves an authentic lavish Cantonese cuisine in an ethereal, classic and culturally rich space. The restaurant offers exquisite culinary delights where every dish is masterfully crafted to bring guests warm and visually stunning delicacies with a surprising modern twist.

Li Feng_mandarin_oriental

Helmed by two talented chefs, Chef Fei and Chef Loy, Li Feng’s menu presents a scrumptious blend of traditional dishes and creative rendition of classics. Chef Fei, one of China’s most notable young chefs is also the man behind the celebrated Jiang at Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou. Chef Fei’s innovative creations have won him numerous awards – including The Best Chef in China 2016 – and a loyal following of food connoisseurs and celebrities alike in Guangdong.

Having established his culinary career in Singapore, Chef Loy – Executive Chinese Chef at Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta – brings more than 12 years of experience in fine dining restaurants in various destinations, such as Bali and Dubai, to the refined atmosphere of Li Feng.

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jakarta-restaurant-li-feng-sweet-sour-chicken

The menu features a variety of Cantonese specialties including chef’s recommendations such as the beautifully presented Deep-Fried Swan Dumpling with Black Pepper Duck Meat, Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Bell Pepper and Braised Hele Crab with Japanese Rice in Hoisin Sauce.

Designed by Hong Kong-based LRF Designers Limited, the restaurant’s interior is inspired by the voyage history and spices trade between China and the old Jakarta, Batavia – when ocean-going junks plied between the South China coast and the Spice Islands, as well as Jakarta and onwards to Arabia. The junk connection has been incorporated into the glass art, paintings and the ceiling lights sculpture, which is a stylized ‘sea’ of hand-made crystal glass, with amber crystal junk sails plying their route across the sea. The contemporary ceiling light sculpture and three chandeliers are developed and fabricated by the much-vaunted Czech crystal sculptors, Lasvit.

While dining, guests will enjoy viewing ‘A Voyage of the South’ artwork, a large-gilded glass piece by artist Helen Poon from Hong Kong that features an ancient etched and gilded map of Asia drawn up in 1602 by an Italian missionary named Matteo Ricci illustrating the ancient connection between China and Jakarta.

Well-known Indonesian designer, Poppy Dharsono, designed the restaurant staffs’ uniform inspired by traditional Chinese garments; Tang Suit for the male and Cheongsam for the female. Using the finest quality of shantung silk and wool blend fabrics, the uniform features colors that represent good luck, wealth and royal status such as crimson red, yellow gold and navy blue.

Conveniently located in the financial and diplomatic district, Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta offers 272 spacious guestrooms and suites overlooking the legendary welcome monument and the city’s skyline. Guests are invited to experience Li Feng with the “Luxury Break” package, which includes a daily dining credit of USD 25 per day or USD 60 for a suite booking. For reservations, please call +62 21 2993 8800 or email to mojkt-reservations@mohg.com.



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Manhattan Hotel – Dim Sum King Discount 20% OFF

Jakarta’s Heavy Rains, Marriott’s Acquisition of Starwood

Dear Jakartans!

Last weekend, Heavy rains and strong winds hit Jakarta and surrounding areas, collapsing a pedestrian bridge in Pasar minggu, which killed 3 people and injured 7, and also a billboard in South Kemang which caused massive blackouts. Many neighborhoods also reported flooding and, of course, massive gridlocks during the heavy rains. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, or BMKG, has predicted torrential rain and heavy wind until Thursday for Jakarta and other ten regions in Indonesia including South Sumatra, Lampung, Banten, West and Central Java, Yogyakarta, South and East Kalimantan, Bali, Maluku and West Papua.

Marriott International completed its US$13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts last Friday, making it the largest hotel company in the world with 5,700 properties and 1.1 million rooms in more than 110 countries. The new combined entity now has 30 brands under its umbrella, with 20 of which currently have presence in Asia.

Despite the heavy rain and wind, we had a blast in our 10th Anniversary Party at Negev Gastronomy & Art. More than 150 of our clients and friends came down to celebrate with us. Check out the photos in the photo gallery below!

Do you have plans for the weekend? Why not check out our HSBC Offerspage for up to 50% off discounts, upsize, and free items in more than 250 restaurants in Jakarta, Bandung, Medan and Surabaya. Get treating!

Don’t forget to keep http://ift.tt/1xfYjhf bookmarked for the latest events, deals, and more exciting articles. To share your opinion about this week’s topic, Comment Below

Cheers,

Deisy Wong Will 
Founder
deisywongwill@gmail.com | Follow instagram

READ COMPLETE NEWSLETTER HERE



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Monday, September 26, 2016

9 Food + Drinks New Menu from Branche Senopati

Branche, a casual French bistro located in Senopati characterized by its industrial pop nuances just introduced their 9 new food and 9 new drink menus! Invited to the second floor, we were able to taste all of them in a beautiful VIP room with a long table setting. Here are our favorites:

Matah Prawn Tacosbranche_sep_2016_2

This fusion appetizer menu is refreshing and crispy! Insides the tortilla roll, mix vegetables, lime, and sambal matah create a delicious new flavors. One serving consists of two rolls with 80gr prawn.

Nasi Salmon Pepes

branche_sep_2016_10Who would guess Salmon can be a great choice of fish for pepes?! This simple idea has created a unique taste, but beyond that, the fish was cooked perfectly and matched with tasty seasonings. All in all it is a great idea with an excellent execution.

Classic Wales Slow-cooked Beef

branche_sep_2016_17

Braised premium beef served with mashed potato, mushroom caramelized, and soft boiled egg! Juicy meat meets with silky egg and soft mashed potato creates an amazing play of texture. This dish is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger instantly.

Rendevous Mocca Cake

branche_sep_2016_9For a special occasion, or when you are looking for a simple dessert, order this mocca cake. One bite is enough to convince you that it is a perfect choice. It is sweet, sticky, but soft and will melt in your mouth!

Green Goodness

branche_sep_2016_7

The healthy smoothie drink is sweet, milky, and has a fun texture. It may feel a little heavy, but the taste is clean so it is not overwhelming. Great choice if you want to freshen your day.

Dragonnite

branche_sep_2016_8With a bright pink colour, this drink is definitely eye catching. It consists of milk, lychee, and dragon fruits, creating a unique sweet taste. The drink is also foamy and really smooth.

Spicy Rujak Tamarine

branche_sep_2016_5Another creative creation from Branche, the drink is consisting of pineapple, mango syrup, chilly chunk, and jalapeno! Such daring combination really reminds you of rujak, and it does taste like one. Salty, sweet, spicy, and really warm.

Nutella Martini

branche_sep_2016_18If you are looking for that creamy and strong drink, choose Nutella Martini! It is a perfect combination between vodka, white crème, chocolate syrup and nutela, served with chocolate wafer and homemade foam. This drink will warm your soul and make you relax.

Other dish you should check out on your visit to Branche are:

Barramundi Salad, Duck Confit Tortilla, Sliced Back Ribs Penne, Classic Floating Island, Rendezvous Mocca Cake, and Big Bad Platter.

For drinks: Green Goodness, Peanut Butter & Banana, Kookies & Kream, Spicy Rujak Tamarind, Nutella Martini, Simone Singnoret, and Breakfast at Tiffany.

Branche Bistro
Jl. Senopati no. 33
RSVP. 021 – 5734448
Email; contact@branchebistro.com



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Ian McKie Appointed New General Manager of Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta

To oversee the award-winning property with 197 apartment units.

mr-ian-mckie-general-manager-oakwood-premier-cozmo-jakartaJAKARTA – 27 September 2016 – Oakwood Asia Pacific Ltd., which manages some of the finest serviced apartments for business and leisure travelers, announced the appointment of Mr. Ian McKie as the new General Manager of the prestigious Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta.

Mr. McKie will oversee day to day operational of Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta, which comprises of 197 serviced apartment and Oakroom Restaurant & Bar. A veteran in the industry with over 30 years of experience, Mr. McKie comes with a background in Food & Beverages. His extensive career has seen him responsible for the running of properties for the last 20 years in various countries and territories such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bahrain, Indonesia and China.

Most recently, Mr. McKie was the General Manager of the Nine Dragons HNA Hotels in Zhejiang, China and responsible for the Nine Dragons Resort Complex with 280 hotel rooms, a 27-hole golf course, water park, polo and equestrian center, yacht club, and an outward bound and mountain bicycle center. Prior to that, he opened the InterContinental Bandung in Indonesia and was the Area General Manager of Gulf Hotels in Bahrain managing Bahrain’s primary independent hotel as well as the K Hotel Bahrain, Gulf Residences Amwaj and Ocean Paradise Zanzibar.

“As the Oakwood brand matures and continues to strengthen its presence in Asia Pacific, we endeavor to consistently deliver value and quality to our stakeholders as we strive towards greater heights” Mr. Craig Bond, Vice President, Operations of Oakwood Asia Pacific shared. “The leaders of the properties, particularly the General Managers play a vital role – not only as custodians of the Oakwood brand, but also in strategically establishing Oakwood’s position in their respective local markets. We are constantly on the lookout for passionate and talented individuals to join Oakwood as we embark on our exciting journey ahead.”

Mr. McKie is British, graduated from Portsmouth Polytechnic in England and holds a Higher National Diploma in Hotel and Catering administration. Having lived and worked extensively abroad for many years, principally in Asia Pacific, Mr. McKie believes in integrity as an essential part of leadership.

Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta

Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung, Blok E.4.2 No.1, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950, Indonesia



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Melanie Maras: An Indonesian Comedian at The World Stage

Originally from Jakarta, Melanie Maras is a bi-cultural writer, storyteller, and comic currently living in Los Angeles that is going to represent Indonesia in the Laugh Factory’s Funniest Person in the World Competition 2016 in Helsinki this December. We reached out to Melanie to get to know her a little better before catching her in her live performance this weekend in the Red Nose Foundation’s Festival of Laughs, October 1, 2016, Jakarta.

melanie_maras_2

It must be exciting to represent Indonesia in the “Funniest Person in The World” competition, can you explain a little about the competition.

I am absolutely honored to be representing Indonesia in the Laugh Factory’s Funniest Person in the World Competition. It’s like the Olympics of comedy! Round 1 is currently live — I’m in the Top 5 and the only female in the Top 10! Voting goes until October 2nd! Help me rise up the ranks by watching, liking, and sharing my video: http://ift.tt/2dvhyR4

You are half Indonesian half American, if I’m not mistaken? How was growing up like for you? 

My father is from Sumatra and my mother is from Oklahoma. I grew up with a lot culture clash! I don’t feel that I fit into any boxes in terms of being Indonesian or being American but I relish defying stereotypes and cultural boundaries. I am very proud of my mixed heritage.

How does the multi-culture it affect your sense of humor? 

I was definitely a strange kid with an offbeat sense of humor from the very start. I was wildly awkward and very ill informed about life. I think that seeing the humor in everything helped me process chaos and confusion and gave me a coping mechanism for dealing with the world.

melanie_maras_4

 How would you describe your humor?

My humor is decidedly dark, super honest, cheekily irreverent, and 100% authentic.

There are just a handful of female comedians, compared to the male ones. What do you think about this?  

There are so many great female comedians! It is unreal to still see so few women on the lineup at some of the best comedy clubs and shows in 2016. Comedy is absolutely a boys club and there is so much misogyny and sexual inappropriateness and even assault that women have to deal with. As a woman in comedy, you’ve got to be better, smarter, and more persistent than the men in the game. I’m learning more about stand-up comedy in Indonesia and have seen how few woman are doing it. I recently discovered a female Indonesian comic named Sakdiyah Ma’ruf who is absolutely fantastic.

melanie-maras_comedian

When did you decide to do comedy professionally? 

Less than a year ago! I have miles to go and so much to learn!

 Who are your favorite comedians/your inspiration. 

My first comedic inspiration was John Cleese in Fawlty Towers. Since then I’ve been inspired by Margaret Cho, Mike Birbiglia, Louis CK, Ali Wong, Amy Schumer, Tig Notaro, Kumail Nanjiani, Aziz Ansari,  Pete Holmes, and so many others.

What’s the funniest (most random?) fact about yourself you can tell people? 

It wasn’t very funny at the time, but I was a bed wetter until the age of ten.

What is Jakarta in your point of view? 

I have such nostalgia for my childhood in Jakarta. It’s shaped me in so many ways. Jakarta will always be my hometown and is like me in so many ways. It’s conservative and wild. It’s traditional and breaking the mold. And it’s hotter than you can handle (jokes!).

Other than being in the ‘Funniest Person in The World’ competition, what are your current projects? 

I’m working on some original television show ideas and making a documentary about stand-up comedy with my fantastic filmmaker friend, Abe Forman-Greenwald (@filmingdocs). Keep up to date on this project and all my upcoming show dates and goings-on at www.melaniemaras.com

 Any messages for aspiring comedians out there? 

Do your best. Be yourself. Be brave. DO YOU.

Thanks Melanie!

Don’t forget to check her live this weekend in the Red Nose Foundation’s Festival of Laughs at Raffles Hotel Jakarta and check out her hilarious stand up in http://ift.tt/2dvhyR4.



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Kedasi Co-working Space: A Dynamic Space for Creative Talents

 

kedasi_working_space_2

For freelancers & mobile workers, working from home is ideal but it sometimes can make you slack and unproductive for creative ideas. The same goes when you go and find a spot in your favourite café/restaurants which wireless internet can be unpredictable, and the environment least conducive.  

KEDASI comes as a solution in the form of collaborative co-working and co-learning space in West Jakarta. It was born from a simple idea that bright ideas, new innovations, and revolutionary discoveries emerge from a dynamic environment and community.

kedasi_working_space

To the creative workers; designers, writers, consultants, freelancers, tech-startup companies, film-makers, and even students, KEDASI offers a cozy working space which is dominated with a culture of the transaction of strong and brilliant ideas.

Not only for individuals, KEDASI is also a perfect solution for companies that wants to both cut necessary costs and also a change of scenery.

KEDASI’s area consists of 1 main dedicated space with 18 hot desks, 1 smaller dedicated space kecil with 8 hot desks, 2 private offices for those who want better privacy, 1 meeting room, and 1 game room. Supporting facilities include high speed fiber-optic Wi-Fi, document printing, coffee and tea free flow, and personal lockers.

kedasi_working_space_3

KEDASI is located in Slipi, West Jakarta, an area where a number of local start-ups are based, earning it the nickname “Slipicon – Valley”. Located not far from 4 major universities in Jakarta, Kedasi is only 15 minutes away from Sudirman, Senayan, Kuningan, and Gatot Subroto. A great and affordable solution for your business.

KEDASI
Address: Jl. Cempaka Atas no. 24, Jati Pulo – Kota Bambu Utara, Tomang, Jakarta Barat 11420
Phone: +62 21 2940 1112 / +62 81908983838 / +62 81808389450
Hours: Monday-Friday 07.00 – 21.00, Saturday 09.00 – 16.00 (by appointment)
Email: ask@kedasi.co.id
Website: www.kedasi.co.id

Price List : Rp. 30,000/hour
Rp. 150,000/day
Facilities: High speed wifi access, free flow coffee & tea, 20 pages free document printing* (only for daily users)
Call or click kedasi.co.id for monthly price list and more information.



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POP! Hotel Kelapa Gading Becomes Official Hotel Sponsor for Night Noodle Market Festival

night-noodle-market-festival-1Jakarta, 26 September 2016 – POP! Hotel Kelapa Gading Jakarta, a modern stylish budget hotel has just become the official hotel sponsor for the Night Noodle Market Festival at La Piazza – Kelapa Gading last weekend.

“We’re interested in taking part in this fun event because clearly this is the first-ever of its kind and also – as our hotel is conveniently connected with the shopping mall, we want to make sure that all out-of-towners could easily spend a comfortable night in our hotel after the event,” said Adi Budiarto, Assistant Hotel Manager – POP! Hotel Kelapa Gading.

night-noodle-market-festival-2Specially for this event, POP! Hotel Kelapa Gading also invites all netizens to take part in a social media engagement simply by snapping a picture of the event & tagging @pophotels using #popkelapagading for a chance to win complimentary stay voucher.

Discover more about POP! Hotel Kelapa Gading only at www.pophotels.com & @pophotels on social media!

night-noodle-market-festival-3



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Marriott International Completes Acquisition of Starwood Group

marriott-headquarters

Today, the most iconic and visionary name in hospitality, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), expands to include 30 of the most desirable and prestigious hotel brands with the addition of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

At a time when travelers place even greater emphasis on enriching and personal experiences, you can now choose from the most diverse selection of hotel brands ever. With more than 5,700 hotels and 1.1 million rooms in over 110 countries across the globe, guests now have access to the best hotels and resorts wherever they travel.

Marriott International’s portfolio now includes a series of quintessential luxury and lifestyle names. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels and EDITION define a new era of luxury travel, with dynamic brands such as Westin, Renaissance and Autograph Collection occupying an evolving lifestyle category.

Premium brands like Marriott Hotels and Sheraton anchor the portfolio and provide a broad array of choices around the world for business and leisure travel. And new, fun, accessible experiences at Moxy Hotels, AC Hotels and Aloft add to the portfolio, ensuring our guests have whatever they want, wherever they are in the world.

“The marriage of these two leading hotel companies means Marriott will deliver an unparalleled guest experience with more hotels in more global destinations, an unrivaled range of comprehensive accommodations to suit every traveler, and the industry’s best loyalty programs,” said Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International. “Providing such a wide selection reinforces our enduring commitment to offering guests an even greater world to explore with Marriott at their side.”

Also starting later today, members of Marriott’s leading loyalty programs, Marriott Rewards – which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards – and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), are invited to link their accounts at members.marriott.com to enjoy the benefits, recognition and experiences each program has to offer.

Members will have their status matched across programs and be able to transfer and redeem points across programs for travel to more destinations than ever before. Members who link their accounts will be able to transfer points at a three-to-one ratio (three Marriott Rewards points = one SPG Starpoint) between the programs for redemption stays or on the Marriott Rewards Experiences Marketplace or SPG’s Moments platform.

For a comprehensive list of all the experiences available to loyalty members please visit the Experiences Marketplace and SPG Moments websites. To join Marriott Rewards – which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards – or SPG, and to see full rules, please visit members.marriott.com.



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What’s New Jakarta’s 10th Anniversary Party

Despite the stormy weather and the massive gridlocks it caused on Saturday evening, What’s New Jakarta’s 10th Anniversary in conjuntion with Deisy Wong Will’s birthday party was a blast and a huge success.

Around 120 of our friends and clients were present at Negev Gastronomy & Art, sharing drink, food, and great fun, entertained by South Africa’s queen if soulful rhythms Kgomotso Xolisa Mamaila with her band.

We would like to thank everyone that came and partied with us, and most importantly, our generous sponsors that made the event possible: Negev Gastronomy & Art, Dimatique Fine Wine, Lampe Berger Paris, Heineken, Smirnoff, Metaphor, Shangrila Jakarta, Santika Group, Royal Tulip Gunung Geulis, Warung Turki, Hard Rock Cafe, The Leaf Jimbaran, Amuz Gourmet, Amarossa Group, HSBC.

See you in our next events!



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