01 Aug 2017
WHAT'S NEW
Jeremy Renner to be 'Talent Ambassador' of the 2nd International Film Festival & Awards Macao
Hollywood star Jeremy Renner – widely known for his role as Hawkeye in several Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbusters and Academy Award Best Actor nominee for his role in The Hurt Locker – has been named as 'Talent Ambassador' of the 2nd edition of the International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM). The prestigious event will be taking place from 8-14 December 2017 under the theme “A new avenue to the world of films”.
The festival was created in 2016 to showcase the best of Asian and international cinema and its aim is to establish itself as a hub for new film-makers on the continent. The programme of the inaugural IFFAM included 54 film premieres and screenings of Asian and Western films, red-carpet presentations, five masterclasses and a colourful awards ceremony; attracting 264 international film industry professionals.
In its second edition, the IFFAM will incorporate new features and gastronomic elements to offer a new perspective and to surprise both audiences and industry professionals.
MGTO launches a new website devoted to Macao's gastronomy
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has launched a brand-new gastronomy-focused website (www.gastronomy.gov.mo) highlighting Macao's credentials as a foodie heaven in Asia. The website is an inspiring and useful source of information for those interested in learning about the rich and diverse food scene in Macao and also about the history, culture and festivities of the “east-meets-west” pocket of Asia.
As well as traditional Chinese food of all kinds and some of the best Portuguese food outside Portugal, Macao is home to its own Macanese cuisine (one of the world's first fusion cuisines) which combines elements of Portuguese, Indian, South American, Malaysian and African influences with local Chinese traditions. Macao boasts 19 Michelin-starred restaurants together with great street food and markets.
Macao will host the very first league in Asian professional basketball
Macao is gearing up to make basketball history when it hosts the first ever Asia League – a brand-new sporting event that will gather Asia's top basketball teams for a ground-breaking competition which aims to start a new era in Asian professional basketball.
A total of eight teams from five different countries will take part in the first Asia League. These are: Shenzhen Leopard and Zhejiang Guangsha Lions from China; Chiba Jets and Ryukyu Golden Kings from Japan; Goyang Orions and Samsung Thunders from South Korea; Gilas Pilipinas from the Philippines; and Fubon Braves from Taiwan – all of them were champion contenders in their domestic leagues. Also, each team will be allowed two import players to increase the level of excitement.
Asia League will take place at Studio City Event Center from 20-24 September 2017.
Celebrated chefs will lead MGM COTAI's culinary programme
MGM COTAI, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2017, has recently unveiled an impressive line-up of globally-acclaimed chefs who will be at the helm of the resort's food outlets once it opens its doors. These are two Michelin-starred French-Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco; Peruvian and Nikkei expert Mitsuharu Tsumura; award-winning chef and American TV personality Graham Elliot; and Singaporean pastry chef Janice Wong.
At Grill 58°, diners will find a menu of exceptional steak by Mauro Colagreco, as well as a wide selection of fish, seafood and other meats. Aji will be the first authentic Nikkei restaurant in Macau while Coast, overseen by Chef Elliot, will offer dishes that capture the spirit of California and other West Coast flavours. At Janice Wong, MGM customers will discover a live chocolate, crepe and dessert station, as well as one of the biggest chocolate fountains in the world.
Macao Museum is now free on Tuesdays!
The Macao Museum now offers free entry on Tuesdays, making it even easier for visitors to learn about the rich history of Macao through its valuable collections. These new free-of-charge days are in addition to the current free admission day, set on the 15th of every month.
The Macao Museum showcases the history and culture of the two civilisations (Portuguese and Chinese) that have shaped Macao. Located in Mount Fortress (next to the iconic Ruins of St. Paul's), it offers a great panoramic view of the city and consists of three floors split into themes: genesis of Macao; popular arts and traditions of Macao; and contemporary Macao.
NEW HOTEL OPENINGS
The Macau Roosevelt opened earlier this month on the island of Taipa. Set in a 12-story tower, the five-star property has 368 guest rooms and suites (including the Marilyn Penthouse) featuring lacquered burnt wood doors, high polished bronze and carved Italian marble, in a style described as “a modern take on Hollywood glam with a 1950s retro twist”. The Macau Roosevelt also features a private VIP club with wine bar and cigar lounge, in-and-outdoor restaurant and bar, fitness centre and an open-air swimming pool overlooking at the Macau Jockey Club. The hotel is offering a 30% discount on all bookings made on its website until the end of September.
A new hotel is due to open its doors before the end of the year*:
- MGM COTAI: The second resort in Macao for the MGM Resorts International group is scheduled to open in the last quarter of this year. Designed as the “jewellery box” of Cotai, the property will feature 1,400 rooms and suites, meeting space, a high-end spa, retail and food and beverage outlets. One of the resort's highlights will be 'the Spectacle', Asia's first dynamic theatre which will be home to 23 LED walls for the ultimate entertainment experience. mgmchinaholdings.com
*Important Note: Dates and some details are based on latest information supplied by third parties, which has been updated as of July 2017. As the Macao Government Tourism Office cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information, which may be subject to change, we recommend that you verify the latest details with the companies concerned prior to use.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
'Summer Love Pool Party' series
19th August 2017
After its great success last year, the 'Summer Love Pool Party' series is back at Pacha Macau to the delight of party-goers. The third and last 'wave' (event) of the series will see American DJ and Grammy Award Winner Roger Sanchez playing the latest electro beats at the outdoor pool of the iconic club on 19th August. Resident DJs Nate Owen and Hugo Cantarra will lead the 'Pacha After Party' for revellers who want to continue the party until the early hours of the morning.
29th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd September & 1st October 2017
Considered one of the largest competitive fireworks event in the world, the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will, once again, light up the night sky of Macao with a myriad of colours. This year's contest, taking place at Nam Van Lake, will see ten globally-acclaimed pyrotechnic companies from all over the world – including a team from the UK – competing to produce the most beautifully colourful displays, which need to be choreographed with both music and laser light projections.
http://fireworks.macaotourism.gov.mo/
Macao Golf Open
19th – 22nd October 2017
Leading golfers from all over Asia will be gathering in Macao this October to take part in the annual Macao Golf Open. The tournament will take place at the Macau Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole golf course which is considered one of the most beautiful courses to play in Southern China. The winning golfer of amongst over 100 participating, will be crowned with the Macao Golf Open title and get an appetising cash prize of over £600,000.
http://www.sport.gov.mo/en/sites/golf
17th Macau Food Festival
10th – 26th November 2017
Delicious food combined with exciting entertainment is all what the Macau Food Festival is all about. Held annually at Sai Van Lake Square, the festival features a variety of stalls serving Asian, European and Macanese delicacies – taking visitors on a culinary journey around the world in just one place. As well as food, the festival will host a beer competition, games booths and live musical performances to keep everyone entertained.
Suncity Group 64th Macau Grand Prix
16th – 19th November 2017
This is, without any doubt, the biggest, most anticipated and prestigious event in Macao's packed sporting calendar. Held every November since 1953, the 6.2km long Guia Circuit will see the best Formula 3, motorcycle and WTCC racers competing in what it is considered as one of the most challenging street circuits in the world, offering guaranteed excitement to all motor sport fans. Tickets to see this year's Grand Prix are now on sale.
Keep up to date with all the latest news and information about Macao on Facebook www.facebook.com/MacaoUK, Twitter www.twitter.com/MacaoUK, Instagram www.instagram.com/MacaoUK or visit www.macaotourism.gov.mo.
-ENDS-
About Macao:
A Special Administrative Region of China since 1999, Macao blends the best of east and west, old and new and is one of Asia's most intriguing destinations. Located just 40 miles from Hong Kong on China's south coast, it offers a world class hotel, restaurant, shopping and entertainment scene, whilst retaining its unique Portuguese-Chinese culture in its UNESCO World Heritage listed architecture, colourful events and fusion cuisine. Chosen as one of Lonely Planet's top 10 regions for travel in 2015, Macao packs a lot into its 11 square miles and makes the perfect addition to a Far East holiday or stopover en route “Down Under”.
About the Macao Government Tourism Office:
The Macao Government Tourism Office is the tourism development arm of the government of the Macao SAR (Special Administrative Region) dedicated to promoting Macao as a preferred destination and co-ordinating related activities and services within the local tourism industry.
