Trải Nghiệm Đáng Nhớ - Hit the Clubs – Glow Bangkok & Zouk KL

from Vietnam Golf Magazine

www.vietnamgolfmagazine.net

April 2013

Dù không được ngắm khung cảnh thơ mộng của thành phố từ trên cao, các CLB dưới tầng hầm ở Kuala Lumpur và Bangkok cũng mang đến cho du khách những ấn tượng khó quên.

GLOW NIGHTCLUB

BANGKOK’S LEADING UNDERGROUND CLUB

Tại một thành phố sôi động với cuộc sống về đêm như Bangkok, CLB Glow thực sự là một địa điểm dưới lòng đất hàng đầu của thành phố với thiết kế boutique đa tầng cùng hệ thống âm thanh lớn

Vietnam Golf Magazine
April 2013

nhất và tốt nhất.

Glow là nơi níu chân các khách nước ngoài đến để hòa mình trên sàn nhảy với những vũ điệu lôi cuốn trái tim. Quy tụ đội ngũ DJ hàng đầu ở địa phương và quốc tế, Glow đáp ứng kỳ vọng của những ai yêu thích các CLB lớn ở Berlin, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Vegas hay Manhattan. Bạn sẽ được đắm mình trong những bản phối của các giai điệu hay nhất thế giới dưới bàn tay tài năng của các DJ. Đây không phải là nơi bạn sẽ tìm ra những bài hát Top 10 thế giới, mà là nơi âm nhạc được chọn lọc bởi những phù thủy âm nhạc đã trải nghiệm du lịch toàn cầu.

Thiết kế đa tầng đầy phong cách của Glow mang đến cho những du khách ở tầng 2 một cái nhìn mãn nhãn về toàn bộ CLB như phòng DJ, quầy bar ở tầng 1, đặc biệt

là sàn nhảy chuyên dụng cung cấp một không gian độc đáo để khiêu vũ thâu đêm. Với sức chứa lên tới 250 người, nơi đây cũng cung cấp những không gian riêng tư cho bạn bè với những chiếc giường nghỉ thanh lịch và hệ thống âm thanh đa màu sắc.

Bạn có thể thoải mái lựa chọn những loại rượu đẳng cấp, rượu vang hay cocktails do những nhân viên thân thiện nhất Bangkok phục vụ. Đến đây, ranh giới giữa du khách với các nhân viên pha chế, nhân viên phục vụ hay những người đến biểu diễn dường như bị xóa nhòa. Quả thực Glow đã mang đến trải nghiệm ấn tượng dưới lòng đất với những bữa tiệc giải trí theo chủ đề hấp dẫn du khách không thể không trở lại.

Glow Nightclub

96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, Bangkok

Web: www.glowbkk.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/GlowBkk

ZOUK KUALA LUMPUR

THE LEGACY CONTINUES

Chính thức mở cửa năm 2004, Zouk Kuala Lumpur đã trở thành lựa chọn cho những ai yêu thích không khí sôi động ở thủ đô Malaysia. Một CLB được những người yêu thích hộp đêm dành tặng những người có cùng niềm đam mê với họ.

Tuy nhiên, ngay cả các phòng được trang bị tốt nhất thế giới cũng sẽ bị trả lại khi không có linh hồn. Nhưng Zouk KL đã không để trường hợp này xảy ra. Từ khi thành lập, CLB đã trở thành một môi trường đầy sáng tạo và tiến bộ để quảng bá cho cả thế giới nơi đây không chỉ là CLB khiêu vũ tươi mới mà còn mang đến bầu không khí thư giãn và thoải mái. Những chủ đề và phong cách âm nhạc khác nhau được luân phiên chơi vào mỗi tối trong tuần để mang đến những bữa tiệc âm nhạc đa dạng cho các đám đông sành điệu.

Nếu như các tối thứ 3, Zouk gập tràn trong phong cách âm nhạc đường phố của Ghetto Heaven, Hip-hop và R&B, tối thứ 6 là những màn biểu diễn của các cô gái trong Twilight Actiongirls sôi động thì các đêm thứ 7 mới thực sự là huyền thoại tại tổ hợp Zouk. Các DJ nơi đây đã thành công khi tạo nên một trào lưu thịnh hành và phố biến cho những đêm ở KL.

Với thiết kế 2 tầng, CLB được chia làm 4 khu vực chính: Mainroom, Phuture, Velvet Underground, Barsonic, Aristo, Roof Garden và Terrace Bar – Mỗi phòng đặc trưng cho những

trải nghiệm riêng về âm nhạc và thị hiếu. Các phòng Mainroom mang đến cho du khách âm nhạc toàn cầu từ khắp mọi nơi trên thế giới, trong khi phòng Phuture lại là những giai điệu pop và flave đầy quyến rũ, phòng Velvet Underground là sự kết hợp ngây ngất của pop và retro trong khi Barsonic là các bản nhạc indie được sáng tạo cho riêng bạn.

Zouk tọa lạc tại vị trí trung tâm của con phố Jalan Ampang sầm uất, trái tim của Tam Giác Vàng nơi tập trung những quầy bar, khách sạn 5 sao, các CLB thời thượng và đặc biệt bạn có thể thỏa sức ngắm nhìn tòa tháp đôi nổi tiếng KLCC Twin Towers.

Là sự pha trộn hài hòa của âm nhạc, thiết kế và năng lượng tràn đầy nhựa sống, Zouk KL đáp ứng mọi khẩu vị của du khách, từ những giờ khuyến mại đồ uống tại Terrace Bar tới những vũ điệu vào đêm muộn tại Zouk Mainroom hay Velvet Underground.

Với kiến ​​trúc hình vòm, những ảnh hưởng từ Madrid đã được hợp nhất hài hòa vào khái niệm thiết kế của Zouk Kuala Lumpur. Một Zouk KL hoàn toàn tươi mới, vừa kế thừa tinh thần của  CLB mẹ ở Singapore nhưng lại vẫn tạo ra nét riêng vô cùng độc đáo.

Zouk Club (KL)

113 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

Web:  www.zoukclub.com.my

Facebook:www.facebook.com/zoukclubkl

 ===== English version =====

Two clubs in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok have been setting new benchmarks for investment in the Asian club scene.  We bring you the scoop on Glow and Zouk KL, two massive clubs for people who want a bit of cool to rub off.

GLOW NIGHTCLUB,

BANGKOK’S LEADING UNDERGROUND CLUB

In a city with a burgeoning nightlife, Bangkok’s Glow Nightclub stands out as the city’s leading underground venue.  The multi-level boutique nightclub boasts the biggest sound system on the block, and perhaps one of the best throughout the metropolitan area.

Glow is where Bangkok’s plugged-in expat crowd comes to mix and mingle on the dance floor with a first rate selection of fist-pumping, heart-pounding dance music.  Widely known for hosting a highly respectable lineup of both local and international DJs, Glow is similar to what clubbers might expect in Berlin, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Vegas and Manhattan. 

Spinning an energetic mix of the world’s best club music, the DJs provide an eclectic blend inclusive of house, funky, electro, tribal, and dubstep.  This isn’t a club where you’ll find commercial top-40, but rather music selected by well travelled, experienced global DJs.

The club’s stylish multi-level design gives those on the second level a voyeuristic view of the entire club including direct sight-lines into the DJ booth, the first floor bar and the stage showcasing regular entertainers.  The dedicated dance floor offers a unique space to dance throughout the night and late into the next morning.

With a maximum capacity of 250, this boutique underground club offers intimacy with friends amongst elegant daybeds and spectacular sounds sychronized with multi coloured led and laser lighting.

Guests can expect a wide selection of premium liquors, wines and cocktails served by Bangkok’s friendliest staff.  Its not uncommon for guest to strike up conversations with the

bartenders, waitstaff or even the entertainers.

Glow enhances the underground experience with entertaining theme parties that keep their guest coming back again and again.  Glow’s nightly DJs and themes are often posted on their Facebook page as well as several of Bangkok’s event websites.

Located a short distance from Bangkok’s famed Sukhumvit Road, Glow is  easily accessible from the Asoke BTS station and Soi 23.  Their website and Facebook page provide a map and directions which may be helpful for those new to the club.

Glow Nightclub

96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23

Bangkok

Web:  www.glowbkk.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/GlowBkk

ZOUK KUALA LUMPUR

THE LEGACY CONTINUES

Kuala Lumpur’s leading club has its roots in Singapore as much as Ibiza. Since Zouk KL’s March 2004 opening, it has become the nightspot of choice for the city’s clued-in crowd. It wasn’t hard to see why, with its purpose-built structure housing some of KL’s best rooms for dance music. This is a club built by clubbers for clubbers.

But even rooms outfitted with the world’s best equipment would be rendered useless without a

soul. Kuala Lumpur’s irrepressible party people, however, have ensured that this is far from the case. Since inception, Zouk KL has delivered an innovative and progressive clubbing environment, introducing Kuala Lumpur to the world not only the freshest dance music but the most varied and fun-packed atmosphere on offer.

Different themes and styles of music are played on different nights of the week to maintain the club’s aim to offer as diverse a music policy to KL’s discerning party crowd.

Retro music fans regularly pack the floor on Wednesdays for Mambo Jambo at Velvet Underground, an eclectic blend of 70’s, 80’s and 90’s pop music.

In Zouk room, Ghetto Heaven’s street style, hip-hop, R’n’B attracts the funky masses of B-boys and sexy ladies on Tuesdays, possibly the biggest midweek night in KL thus far.

Friday nights sees Twilight Actiongirls trashing out everything from electro, brit pop/rock to old skool favourites, providing the mass with an alternative pursue to their musical preferences in Barsonic.

Saturday nights at the Zouk complex are legendary. Resident DJs along with the occasional guest DJs have successfully paved the way to build a momentum of some of the most popular and packed nights in KL. The mainroom offering GLOBAL sounds from every corner of the world, while Phuture churns out the best FLAVA of POP tunes, Velvet Underground offers a heady mix of POP, RETRO while Barsonic is your ever friendly alternative indie tunes from LapSap & Co.

Zouk’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of music in KL remain as strong as ever as the worldwide phenomenon of dance music expands across Asia. Zouk represents the fashion, music, art and clubbing worlds with the philosophy of educating the mass. With this blueprint set by the mother company Zouk KL has gone on to forge an identity of its own without ever forgetting the roots and original philosophy – One World, One Tribe. One Dance.

Kuala Lumpur boasts a rapidly morphing cityscape: one that looks set to transform even more

with the addition of Zouk Kuala Lumpur to its repertoire of already hip dining joints and bars. With a total investment of RM16 million, Zouk Kuala Lumpur takes to the stage on Jalan Ampang in the heart of the Golden Triangle’s main strip of bars, with Five Stars hotels and clubs, and boasting an unbeatable view of the famous KLCC Twin Towers.

Rising like a phoenix above relics of the previous old Mississippi Slim Restaurant, an awe-inspiring Zouk KL surfaces on a total build up space of 30,000 square feet. Standing tall with two storeys, the club is divided into four sections: Zouk Mainroom, Phuture, Velvet Underground, Barsonic, Aristo, Roof Garden and Terrace Bar – each representing characteristic of different experiences for a large spectrum of music tastes and moods.

With an eclectic mix of energy, music and design, Zouk KL offers something to satisfy every taste, from the casual happy hour spent drinking at Terrace Bar for the Media set, to late night dancing at Zouk or Velvet Underground for the terminally hip.

The dome-shaped architecture, a modern mix of influences from Madrid to Malaysia, was incorporated into ZDR Architect’s conceptualization of Zouk Kuala Lumpur. Architecturally, this is a new look for KL, unprecedented. Zouk KL has a fresh, new and organic feel that bears semblance to the mothership club in Singapore but makes its own unique mark – which etches another step-up for the Zouk brand towards its perfect archetype, with its evolution of the Zouk ideal .

Designed as an iconic piece of architecture, the club’s exterior is clean and minimal, with no hard lines, possessing an almost Phillipe Starck like quality on its plaster-like façade, giving the building dynamism and freshness that is unique.

Zouk Club (KL)

113 Jalan Ampang,

Kuala Lumpur

Web:  www.zoukclub.com.my

Facebook: www.facebook.com/zoukclubkl

Russian Gaming Zone, Azov-City :: Interview with Lenar Kashapov

from Gaming & Leisure Magazine

www.gamingandleisuremagazine.com

Spring 2013

In the Fall 2012 G&L issue, we reviewed the general state of affairs for the overall casino gaming industry in the Russian Federation.   With this issue, we’re taking a closer look at one of the four special gambling zones created by Russian Federal Law № 244.  Mr. Lenar Kashapov, Director of Azov-City Gambling & Resort joins us for this discussion.

Gaming & Leisure Magazine
Spring 2013

[G&L]  The non-profit “Association of the Gambling Zone of Azov-City” was created in 2009.  What are the objectives of the Association?

[Lenar Kashapov] According to Russian legislation gambling organizers are required to create a noncommercial organization representing their interests.  Federal Law № 244 contains this provision and further stipulates such organizations could also have part of managing functions at the gambling zones. There is an annual investment forum in Sochi (Krasnodar region) where the cooperation agreement between Azov-City Gambling & Resort and the Administration of Krasnodar region (regional governmental body) was signed in 2009.

The main functions of our Association are:

·         Lobbyism

·         Industry standardization

·         Attracting investments

To meet the first target we negotiated with the government about infrastructure expansion: constructing roads, power lines and treatment facilities.  To meet the target for industry standardization we developed building norms and standards for casino buildings.  At the time we didn't have such norms for gambling facilities, so we discussed legislative and regulatory acts with the parliamentarians and requested changes in legislation. On behalf of the members of the Association we negotiated with the largest consulting firms and also potential partners about investments and operating casino resorts in future.

Russia is a unique country and the experience, contacts and knowledge we have are an invaluable treasure for the development of Russian gambling industry.  Moreover, in the future we are planning to work for development and promotion of all four gambling zones in Russia, so we permanently collect the information and negotiate with the authorities of the regions that have gambling zones – Kaliningrad territory, Altay and Primorski regions. I think there are no people in Russia who have more information and contacts in gambling zones beyond our group.

[G&L]  Located in Krasnodar Territory in Russia’s Southern Federal District, how is Azov-City positioned for in-bound tourism?

[Lenar Kashapov] To have strong position for in-bound tourism we have to continue to expand our facilities.  We have only two casinos at gambling zone Azov-City at present. They are not very attractive for international tourists.  People from Vladivostok, Tyumen, Ulan-Ude, Stavropol,  

Lenar Kashapov
Director of Azov-City Gambling & Resort

Novocherkassk, Moscow, St.-Petersburg visit our casinos.  In whole – about 80 cities in Russia and abroad visit our casinos.  The largest group of visitors come from neighboring Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar.

We recognize that the Azov-City gambling zone is situated in a distinctive region of Russia, so we have no doubt it will be interesting for foreign tourists.  You could not see such nature and bright expressions of Russian culture in other Russian gambling zones. Kuban (another name of Krasnodar region) is the native land of the famous Cossacks.  

Situated on the Black Sea, the coastal city of Sochi will host the Winter Olympic Games in 2014.  It boasts an  innumerable quantity of ancient historical destinations interspersed with fields of sunflowers and wheat. All these features will be used to breathe the spirit of Russia and the region into the non-gaming facilities in Azov-City.  We already have visitors from China, Turkey, USA, Ukraine, Europe and are sure that soon we will see tourists from Israel and Arabian countries.

When the authorities of Krasnodar region represented the Azov-City gambling zone investment project in 2009 they declared that the airport, seaport, and a high-speed highway would be constructed.  They also planned to construct resort facilities for elite leisure: hotel complexes, yacht-clubs, aqua-parks, marines, golf clubs, horse-racing and other lifestyle facilities for the up-scale leisure and entertainment market. The regional administration estimated a stream of visitors up to 6 million persons per year from the countries located within a two hour flight.

[G&L]  As with Las Vegas, Azov-City has been created in a lightly populated area far from cities of any significant size.  Are there parallels between the two gaming regions?

[Lenar Kashapov] Of course, everybody is trying to find these parallels. But what are they? I cannot answer. There were many other factors which had helped to develop Las Vegas.

I think Russian casinos will have their own identity because Russian gamblers have their own distinct mentality and behavior.  Gambling in Russia has its own history, but it is not very long. For example, if Americans visit Las Vegas for rest, entertainment and fun, for Russians – a trip to casino is a chance to win.  The Russian gaming market was aimed mainly at local guests even when it was at its peak, only a few people here understand it as a tourist activity.

From the point of view of expected profit, Azov-City is a fascinating project.  Azov-City is the first gambling zone in Russia and it seems that it will evolve into the first Russian casino-resort destination with a critical volume of tourists and gamblers.  From the point of view of business organization –independent foreign investors with western technologies and mentality will not be able to develop projects here on a stand-alone basis, it will be necessary to have a local partner.  Authorities wish to avoid the risk that foreign investment would overwhelm the domestic Russian investment.

Gambling industry in Las Vegas was initiated by gangsters, but according to Russian gambling legislation people with criminal records cannot be engaged in business.  Las Vegas was built up chaotically, but Azov-City has committed to a regional development plan through legislation – Land Use and Development Rules. The highway in Las Vegas was built without much ado, but authorities in Krasnodar region are trying to manage with local roads. And at last the gambling industry gives us a head start – there are a lot of professional investment companies and gaming operators all over the world – so we continue to look to them for their experience.

As to location – I cannot say definitely – we are similar to Las Vegas or not. The first part of gambling zone Azov-City is situated at the coast of Azov Sea where the surrounding territory is quite large, and there are many people who wish to live and work here.

[G&L]  Oracul Casino was the first to open in Azov-City.  Is there planned expansion of the Oracul Casino?

[Lenar Kashapov]  Royal Time Group is the owner of Oracul, the first Russian casino.   Oracul was created with the declared intent of significantly boosting this new resort-city in the south of Russia, where gambling is planned to be only a smart part of the region's

Oracul Casino

entertainment offerings.

The first 1500 square-meter gambling facility was opened in 2010, and has since expanded to 4000 square-meters.  The Casino Oracul is presently building a hotel complex which will be the biggest part of resort.  I think the construction will take about 15 more months.  Investors and partners trust Royal Time Group, so I suggest financing would not be a problem.

The most difficult thing in Russia is maintaining a dialogue with authorities.  Gambling is a new industry in our country and we recognize it is very important to have a correct economic calculation. To plan its strategy, Royal Time constantly consults with authorities. 

[G&L]   A mixed-use tourism project “Golden Sands” is being billed as the Leisure Capital of Russia.  What is the status of development, and what offerings are intended within this project?

[Lenar Kashapov] The coordination of such initiative in Russia is very long process.  It is necessary for authorities to make changes to various standard and legal acts.  Moreover it is necessary to find infrastructural capacities, develop and co-ordinate the general plan of land using at the new location. And at last it is necessary to find a lot of money which the regional authorities do not presently have. This project is developing slowly and it has to be changed due to bureaucratic procedures.  Construction processes at the new site could bring more difficulties.

Oracul Casino

We support regional authorities in this initiative; moreover we have ordered and developed the land use concept of the Golden Sands.  We are watching the developments and as soon as a clear light is shed upon the situation, we will immediately publicize the progress along with government authorities.

[G&L]  Some people have considered illegal gambling facilities in the cities as the main competitors of the gambling zones.  How well are the authorities controlling these illegal gambling facilities?

[Lenar Kashapov] That is a shadow business and I cannot answer objectively “How well are the authorities controlling illegal gambling facilities”.  I’m studying gambling in Russia, but even my knowledge is not enough to estimate volumes of illegal market. 

Struggling against illegal gambling is different in different regions of Russia. In some regions government and law enforcement bodies are focused on other important issues, and therefore the struggling against illegal gambling is not prioritized.  In other regions, the fight against illegal gambling is under personal control of the Governor.

According to official data the Office of the Public Prosecutor closed more than 40,000 illegal gambling facilities and more than 450 illegal casinos all over the Russian Federation. But you should consider that law enforcement bodies often close the same gambling facility many times.  There are also some facilities that are difficult to enter since they are under somebody’s protection.

But on the other hand the gambling zone is visited mainly by VIP gamblers who don’t like to be arrested.  If you visit an illegal casino in Russia such arrest and prosecution is very possible. The elite will go to legal casinos to enjoy better service and entertainment programs, complete with an opportunity to win the prizes guaranteed by the government.  I am absolutely sure while illegal gambling is prospering, the development of Russian gambling zones will be extremely slow.

[G&L]  We would like to thank Mr. Lenar Kashapov for his time in discussing the status and future of Russia’s Azov-City Gambling & Resort.