FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Manhattan takes a bow

Manhattan takes a bow

New York comes to the very heart of Bangkok at the annual St Regis charity gala

The Big Apple was at the very core of one of most prestigious social events of the year, the St Regis Bangkok Charity Gala 2018 – which this year raised a massive Bt7 million for the Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Foundation for the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University.

 

Manhattan takes a bow


The ball, which this year was on the theme “Manhattan Flair”, has been held annually since 2013 and has so far raised more than Bt40 million for the various charities selected by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. 
Guests were transported back in time, to New York City of the 1940s and 1950s era, with the Astor Ballroom transformed into a scene with pure Manhattan flair. 

 

Manhattan takes a bow


Immersed in the theme, the entire evening was presented in theatrical proportions, with a talented jazz trio setting the mood. Daran Zeththinich Chanavarasutthisiri, from “The Face Season 3”, performed an exciting New York Cabaret and guests were blown away by the acclaimed musical genius of Neung Jakkawal, appearing with his big band and accompanied by singers Viyada and Kittinan. 

 

Manhattan takes a bow


There was a spectacular Broadway rendition of “New York New York (It’s a wonderful town)”, while the grand finale featured the live sounds of renowned Australian singer-songwriter Mahalia Barnes.
This year’s gourmet delights were some of the St Regis’ finest with Mark Arnao, executive chef of the St Regis New York flying in to man the kitchen for this special event.  

 

Manhattan takes a bow


Richard Sawyer, the hotel’s director of culinary operations, also led his team, among them chef Lak Preeprem, and pastry chef Thitiphong Suanborae in a selection of dishes that didn’t fail to impress. The evening’s nostalgic cocktails were conjured up by the hotel’s expert mixologist Alessandro Stringardi.

 

Manhattan takes a bow


With the auction lots receiving generous bids from guests and the tables sold out, the proceeds raised will go to support the operations of the Faculty of Arts at Chulalongkorn University, Princess Sirindhorn’s alma mater. These include funding visiting local and international experts as keynote speakers and special lecturers in subjects most beneficial to the students and supporting the research of faculty professors.
The Princess graduated with both bachelor and master’s degrees from Chulalongkorn’s Faculty of Arts, with a focus on history, Thai and other Oriental languages. 
 

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