BNOW Newsletter

We had a fantastic turn out for the Business Referral Circle (BRC). There was a great energy in the room. Thank you attendees for joining us and we appreciate everyone spreading the word about the BRC. The next BRC is Thursday 1/April.

A good friend of mine sent me the following info about CPR procedures. Please check it out on Youtube. You may one day need it.

We have a few places left for our upcoming REVA Retreat. It is the first time that we are bringing together 3 timeless holistic therapies. Don't miss this opportunity! For more details click here.

Exotissimo is running a photo contest. To inspire you, Exotissimo is providing a tour of the market free of charge on the 12th March and 21st March. Winner receives Thai cooking lesson at the prestigious Blue Elephant School. For more details contact Chi Phan at 02 636 0360 ext 301 or e-mail: infobkk@exotissimo.com.

This week, we’re featuring an interview with Kittim Sethi, who is Inspiring Positive Parenting. For archive of BNOW interviews, please click here. If you’d like to suggest some one for us to interview, please send me an e-mail bnow@bnow.org.

Check out the special offers for BNOW members from Exotissimo Travel, Fitcorp Asia, Indian Host, The Pilatestudio, Pianta Party Supply Shop, NuSkin and iHome. To take advantage of the offer, opt-in at the bottom of the special offer page by filling your contact info and the company will send you a voucher. For more details, click here.

Pacharee (Nui) Pantoomano-Pfirsch
E: pacharee@bnow.org
T: 02 662 5622
www.bnow.org
E: bnow@bnow.org

BNOW (Bangkok Network of Women) provides a supportive network to women living and working in Bangkok. We have a weekly e-newsletter which takes contribution from the members. Members also enjoy privileges and benefits from selected businesses. The group has 2 events per month, for upcoming schedule click here. Many of our events are open to non-members and males. The get together is to have everyone meet and interact, enabling them to put faces to names and to make new friends and business connections in Bangkok. For more information about our group, please visit www.bnow.org.

All services provided by BNOW are done in good faith. We cannot be held responsible for the quality of service or content provided by individuals or companies listings in the e-newsletter.

NOTE TO MEMBERS: Postings for the e-newsletter is taken from Mon-Wed, deadline Wed 5pm. If you would like to repeat your posting please resubmit on a weekly basis. Tag your e-mail to get a send receipt. If you have questions or comments about how to post, please e-mail bnow@bnow.org. Thank you.

"Reva" in Latin means "renewed strength". It also stands for Rejuvenating Emotionally and Vitally, with Awareness. Set in the natural locale of Khao Yai, you will explore and learn new tools to help balance your mind, body and spirit. For the first time ever, we are bringing together three timeless holistic therapies of Ayurveda, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and Meditation. Taught by three contemporary sages, Dimple Duangthip Arora, Shalini Yamdagni and KP Pantoomano respectively, the three days two nights retreat is about self discovery, releasing the old and renewing the self from the inside out. The retreat ensures you return home with renewed energy, empowered with New Age holistic tools to help maintain the quintessential energy and harmony in your daily life.

Do you suffer from information overload? Remembering names, places, or organizing your personal or professional schedule and time is a challenge? Do you want to be able to present and communicate more effectively? Join us on Thursday, March 18th at the Foreign Correspondent's Club from 7pm to 9:00pm and learn how you can improve your performance, enhance your career, discover creative and innovative approaches to business through the use of Mind Mapping.

Invented by Tony Buzan over 40 years ago, Mind Maps - dubbed the 'Swiss Army knife of the brain' - are used by over 300 million people globally, including leading business and political figures such as Bill Gates and Al Gore.

The presentation is in English and it is open to males and non-members. To register to attend the event, please e-mail Khun Ramon at oh@bnow.org. Fee for BNOW members is 500 baht and non-members is 600 baht and it includes dinner.

An alumnus of Thammasat and Chulalongkorn Universities, Khun Ong has been an avid Mind Mapping user for more than 10 years. Five years ago, he became a Mind Map trainer. Today he's a certified trainer and works with Buzan Thailand. He has taught more than 2000 people and his clients range from multinationals to large Thai corporations such as P&G, Unilever, Chevron, Central, Sony, Panasonic, PTT, TCC, KBank, TMB Bank, BBL, KTC, Nation, Amway, AIA, Chula, Thammasat, Novatis, Singha, The Mall, Tetrapack.

Aside from training, Khun Ong is a networker at heart. He is the President of BNI (Business Network International) Warrior Chapter and recently became a Director of BNI Thailand.

International Schools are a common choice for most expatriates and is also popular among Thai parents. However, selecting the right school for the child depends largely on the curriculum, which parents often find challenging to understand how it fits their child's needs. To answer these queries and facilitate parents in selecting the right schools for their child, IPN has invited representatives from three International Schools in Bangkok, each representing the three popular curriculums, for a discussion followed by a Q&A. We have Heads from three schools who will participate - ISB (American), Harrow International (British), and KIS International (IB). International Schools: How to select the right educational curriculum for your children

Date: Tuesday March 30th, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Place: Bangkok Hotel Lotus Sukhumvit (formerly Novotel Lotus Sukhumvit 33),BTS Phromphong
Cost: Free for members; Baht 400 for nonmembers (include wine and snacks, door prizes)
Call: 081-8647861, 081-8262399
Web:www.ipnthailand.com
Email: ipn@ipnthailand.com

I was born in New Delhi, India and came to Thailand as an infant. I grew up in Bangkok and completed by high school from Ruam Rudee International School and went on to New Delhi for my Bachelor's Degree, graduating from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. I spent my childhood both in Bangkok and New Delhi.

I have always been actively involved in all activities in both my school and college, including magazines and yearbooks which eventually led me to work in the field of media. I returned to Bangkok in 1991 and joined The Nation, where I worked for 10 years.

I first started writing for The Nation Junior, a youth magazine and worked with Andrew Biggs, who was responsible for making it one of the most popular English-language magazine for students and young Thais. Most of my stories revolved around education and issues related to the youth. I became the Editor of the magazine in 1995 and also continued on to become the Editor of Nation Kids!, a weekly English-language tabloid for young kids and English Editor for the Nation Education page in The Nation. I continue to freelance for the The Nation and have also worked with television and radio.

I also worked at BEC-TERO Entertainment, a leading concert and events promoter as well as in a PR company. I continue to freelance for several English language publications, do translation in both Thai and English as I am fluent in both languages and copyedit books and articles. I currently run my own small PR firm where I assist clients in media relations and organize PR events and activities.

I have two boys, aged 10 and 15 years and they both attend an international school here. I have been a very involved parent in my sons' school and was responsible in setting up the Parents' Group, where we organised various activities for the school community and also acted as a support group for parents within the school and as a liaison between the school staff and parents.

I believe that children perform better in school when their parents are involved in their education. Children do better academically and socially and they also feel valued and important when their parents take interest in their school and what they do. It sets a positive context for growth and achievement.

I think this has a very important impact on children when they see such positive and constructive interaction between parents and other members in their school community. Parents are also able to understand the programs implemented at their child's school and work closely with teachers.

It also gives parents the opportunity to share information and voice any concerns or issues they may have. Being in the Parents' Group gave me the opportunity to meet other parents and help them and their children settle into the school. It also allowed me to discuss issues parents had and to find a constructive way to resolve them.

The International Parenting Group was set up in late 2008. It was the brainchild of David and Terry Arnold, who have three sons and were also very involved parents at the same school that my sons attend. Having been involved in a parents group at school, we three wanted to take this to another level. We wanted to set up a network of like-minded parents who wanted to connect regularly on a more personal level to share experiences, advice and recommendations from what they as parents had learned over the years from raising their children. We felt there were many parents who would benefit from such a network. We wanted to offer various parenting support services through events, workshops, seminars. We want to inspire positive parenting - which is also our slogan.

Other countries such as the US, UK, Australia, to name a few, have parenting organizations that offer a plethora of support services to parents. There was none in Thailand, except for parent groups in various schools. We feel that being a part of a larger network of parents and childcare professionals can greatly benefit parents as we can get a larger perspective and outlook on different parenting issues. We wanted to set up a network where we could provide parents with a community platform where they could exchange parenting experiences, share solutions and ideas on positive parenting and receive advice and counsel from experienced professionals, support groups and other parents.

Sometimes we parents need to step out of our current or smaller circle of friends and families in order to meet new people, build new friendship and enjoy an evening with other parents, while gaining insights from the informative presentations and topics which are presented at each of IPN's monthly events.

We provide parents with the opportunity to meet with child psychologists, counselors, pediatricians, authors of parenting and children's books, school principals and other families from around the world to share with effective strategies on how to raise happy and healthy kids in this fast-paced world.

We are partnering with Plant A Tree Foundation Today where part of the proceeds from our annual membership will be given to PATT to grow a tree in the member's name.

Our events are held on the last Tuesday of every month from 6.30pm-8.30pm at Bangkok Lotus Hotel Sukhumvit 33. We have had some very interesting and insightful speakers at our events and I have learned so many new things about parenting and other issues related to my children.

Some of the topics IPN have covered include: financial planning for your child's education, Homework issues, Nutrition and children, cyber bullying and internet safety, challenges of sex education and adolescent, family fitness, finding your child's passion, sibling rivalry and many more.

This month IPN's event will be held on March 30th and the topic is on "International Schools: How to select the right educational curriculum for your children." International Schools are a common choice for most expatriates and is also popular among Thai parents. However, selecting the right school for the child depends largely on the curriculum, which parents often find challenging to understand how it fits their child's needs.

To answer these queries and facilitate parents in selecting the right schools for their child, IPN has invited representatives from three International Schools in Bangkok, each representing the three popular curriculums, for a discussion followed by a Q&A. We have Heads from three schools who will participate - ISB (American), Harrow International (British), and KIS International (IB).

Our events are open to both members and nonmembers and these details are available on line at www.ipnthailand.com. We are also developing our website to include more online services as well as forums for parents to discuss parenting issues and to find answers to queries they may have on parenting. We want to assist families and provide them with the right support.

We have received queries from Chiang Mai and Phuket to set up IPN and we are flattered that parents here realize the importance and necessity of such a group.

IPN is a young organisation and we welcome feedback parents may have to make IPN a strong network community. We are always looking for volunteers to join our committee and look forward to a growing participation from families and hope they get inspired about parenting.

We have a few exciting events that are scheduled for this year, with some speakers coming from overseas. These include topics on positive discipline, learning difficulties with children, talking with teens and vaccinations. We also plan to organize a seminar for parents and teenagers later in the year which we will update on our website. Most of our topics have been based on the feedback from parents and educators who attend our events.

Our guest speakers are 1. Dr, Kris Chatamra, Head of Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer. Dr. Kris will talk about breast cancer and new trend for treatment. Dr. Pongkasem Worasethsin, OB/GYN from Chulalongkorn Hospital will talk about Cervical cancer in Menopause period. The set lunch for 800 Baht both Fish and Vegetarian are available. Booking can be done via "bkkbreastcancer@gmail.com" or "walia@asiaaccess.net.th". Table for 8 guests can be booked in advance via both email. Please join the guest speakers and lunch and support BBCs activities -- Regards, Goy BBCS bkkbreastcancer@gmail.com

New Zealand Nanny available for work. Qualified and experienced in both Nanny work and PA/Secretarial work. Don't mind combining the two. Used to work in Bangkok as a Nanny for an ex pat family, wanting to come back and work/live there again. Very friendly, trustworthy, responsible, reliable and hard working. Great references available. amanda.stansfield@gmail.com

This charitable event only takes place three times a year. On average, the function attracts approximately 300 shoppers. BAMBI members book a table to sell second-hand baby/toddler goods. These include second hand toys, furniture, books, car seats, strollers and much more. Proceeds from the event go to support BAMBI's on-going operations.

For those interested to buy quality second-hand merchandise, please arrive early. Entrance fee is 50 baht donation. There is a children's play area and refreshments will be on sale. Come along and make a morning of fun for the entire family! Bangkok Prep School is located on the main road, corner of Sukhumvit Soi 53, Thonglor BTS. A map to the school can be retrieved from the following link: http://www.bkkprep.ac.th. For help on directions, please call the school Monday through Friday during school hours and prior to the event at 02 260-7890-3 or 02 662 4333.

Please note per the school policy, all visitors are required to provide identification at the security entrance.

Our 'All about Art' Excursion takes you to Chet Samian, a small village on the Mae Klong River, where an evening will be spent with a local theatre director. Although mainly speaking Thai (your guide will help translate!), this incredible outing will expand your exposure to contemporary art and culture. Passing on knowledge and memory of past, visit this charming town where the community members embrace their traditional arts heritage. (Departing from Dusit Thani Hotel at 1300 and returning at 2200)

1,600 THB / adult (including transfers, and guided full day tour with group; local dinner). Booking deadline March 25th. Maximum 20 persons.

For reservation and details, please contact Mr Chi PHAN Tel: 02 286 5786 or e-mail: infobkk@exotissimo.com

Carolyn O'Neill Photography Carolyn O'Neill's fresh and modern approach to family portraiture combines a reportage style, using only natural light in real-life settings, together with her creative eye to capture the unscripted and special moments for your family to cherish. Photo sessions are fun and shot on location in one the many unique venues Carolyn has throughout Bangkok.

Carolyn O'Neill Photography
www.carolynoneill.com
carolyn@carolynoneill.com
+66 (0)86.997.1193

If you are ready to start making the changes necessary to achieving true Financial Freedom, then TLC Hypnosis Wealth Program is the place to begin. Why? Most of us are not aware of the underlying cause of almost all financial problems, that runs like an automatic pattern in your life. The good news is that:

1. Release all negative patterns that are blocking you and adjusting your attitude towards cash flow and ultimate wealth

5. Hearing the voice inside more effortlessly, so you may reach your path to success

6. Programming yourself to expand your sphere of influence, allowing you to your desired outcomes more quickly

You can have more, enjoy more and feel good now! And we have the answer to your dreams at TLC Hypnosis.

Take your first step now by making your appointment with us today - YOU'RE WORTH IT!

*** Very Special Offer - BNOW Member's now receive a *FREE* Hypnobeats Hypnosis Millionaire Mindset Program for a limited time. www.hypnobeats.com ***

Call TLC Hypnosis on 02 863 3181 or email grace@tlcinspires.com to schedule your session today!

An interactive children's play for the young, and young at heart! Bring your little ones to BCT's wonderfully inventive version of "Pinocchio" to be performed in English at The British Club twice daily at 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm on March 13 & 14 and March 20 & 21, 2010. Although designed for children 4 to 9 years old, parents will also enjoy this unique type of live theatre-in-the-round, which stimulates the imagination and involves the audience in the action throughout! Children are encouraged to come dressed in costume to add to the fun. Come early to make some simple crafts with volunteers from the BNH Hospital; the children can use the crafts to participate in the show (craft is already included in the ticket price.) And stay late to enjoy the delicious picnic barbeque, sweets and snacks provided by the British Club on the lawn (refreshments are not included in the ticket price.)

Note: there is no parking at the club for this event. With magic and mime, mischief and mayhem, "Pinocchio" promises to be a memorable family experience. But don't delay! Seating is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are one price at B200 each and will be available to the general public from February 22nd at the Lobby reception desk in the BNH Hospital on 9/1 Convent Road. Tickets may be purchased from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday and from 8am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. British Club Members may also sign for tickets at the club. For more information, please visit the BCT website at www.bct-th.org, email pinocchio@sala.net or call 089-887-7945.

Building or renovating your house or condo? Get iHome involved in the design and installation of your smart home systems, security, communication, entertainment and lifestyle solutions - and really get your home behaving the way you want it to. iHome is offering a 50,000 THB cash voucher for BNOW members installing all iHome systems in their home. Alternatively, have iHome give this amount to a BNOW supported charity of your choosing! Call JP @ iHome for details now on 02-650-5120.

Origins and The Pilatestudio with special offer for new members

Origins invite The Pilatestudio’s new members to experience the Origins facial check up and receive a 45 minute Detoxification Facial Massage Service & Dramming Set at Origins counter near you.

This invitation is valid from 2nd – 31st March 2010 and for the first 100 guests & 50 dramming sets for each location only. Please present the Pilatestudio membership card to received the service.

This offer is valid for new members who will purchase classes card.

First timer workshop on the reformer
Saturday, March 13th (every second Saturday of the month)
Time: 12:15 - 13:45
Fee: 950 Baht

Athletic Conditioning Workshop on the Reformer - please note we changed the dates!
Wednesday March 17th, 24th, 31st, April 7th 12:30-13:30
Space is limited for 5 people Advance registration required.
Fee: 2,800 Baht

Kettlebells and Pilates
Saturday, March 13th 10:00-11:30
Fee: 650 Baht
Please register in advance

Kate Besleme, Joung-ah Ghedini Williams and Ory Avni gather again to teach this unique prenatal certification course. This comprehensive course will show you how to teach prenatal classes to women in all stages of pregnancy and will explore yoga, Pilates and mindfulness as tools for childbirth and beyond….for motherhood!
Dates: Wednesday, March 17th, Monday March 22nd, Wednesday, March 24th (The Pilatestudio)

Fee: 20,000 Baht (Cash only, please)
We accept only 10 students for this course!
Every student will receive a Prenatal Course Manual by The Pilatestudio.

Website: www.pilates.co.th email: info@pilates.co.th
Tel: 02-6507797 Address: 888/58-9 Phloen Chit Rd. Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Please register in advance for our classes and workshops. Minimum 4 people to open the workshop.

To read more go to http://www.pilatesbangkok.com/pages/education/prenatal_yoga_certification_course.html

Bourbon Street is organizing the 15th annual Father Joe Maier's, Human Development Foundation, Charity Golf Classic.

Date: Friday March 12, 2010
Time: Noon, shotgun
Venue: Royal Golf & Country Club
Fee: 3,500 baht (include Bourbon Street buffet)
Format: Best 2 ball scramble within team
Sign-up: ASAP, space is limited

Khun On, the sister in-law of my nanny, is looking for a part-time maid position. She's available Tues, Thurs and Sat from 1pm to 5pm in the Sukhumvit, preferably in the Ekamai and Thonglor area. She's able to clean, iron and can help mind the kid(s). She's a Thai citizen and does not speak English. If you're interested, to interview her, please call her at 089 058 3494. If you'd like to speak with me (English/Thai), feel free to call or e-mail me at pacharee@bnow.org/089 139 6800.

My name is Michael David Nepia. I am a primary school teacher from New Zealand living and working in Bangkok, Thailand.

In July 2010, I will be walking 750 km from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (alone) in order to raise funds to help improve the lives of disabled orphans, and underprivileged girls. The walk will take 37 days.

All money raised from the walk will go directly to Hope Worldwide Thailand a non government organization dedicated to running programs that aid these children and improve their standard of living.

I am emailing you for your help in spreading this cause and in gaining sponsorship. Please take the time to visit my website at www.walkofhope2010.com. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I am soon to produce a large amount of brochures and would be very grateful for help in this area too.

Do you want to look 10 years younger in 10 minutes? Come try it for yourself. Please join our spa demonstration and we'll share with you a business opportunity you wouldn't want to miss. We meet every Wed 10-12 pm. Fees: 150 Bht for spa serum. Please call Khun Earng 081-912-2755 or e-mail lomakid@yahoo.com to RSVP.

Do You Comparative Shop for Car Insurance?

Do you want to get 10 car insurance quotes for next time you renew? I want to help you for the next time your car insurance comes due.

If you’re keen to do comparative shopping, please send me the make model of your vehicle, when the insurance is to be renewed and your contact details (tel# and e-mail). ClickInsure will contact you and provide a quote and you can chose at that point if their quote is better than what you’re already getting from your current insurer. If you have any questions, e-mail me at pacharee@bnow.org.