Sotheara got married
The popular singer, Sapoun Midada, and movie performer, Seour Sotheara, are scheduled to get married on December 11-13, 2009, which will be traditionally celebrated with 700 guests at Nagaworld.
Koraoke actress married Cambodian-Autralian man
Karaoke actress, Keo Pich Pisey, married overseas man on October, 31, 2009. Her husband is living in Australia and owner of bread. Many and many wedding guests joining her wedding were families, relatives and friends.
Popy is still alive
Recently, people heard a rumor that Popy died from cancer of her surgery. But she told local media that it is the untrue story made by someone. She also has good health. She also confirmed that she was really disappointed about the rumor. She considered this matter as fortune which brings her good luck.
All these kinds of dresses that most of Cambodian women like wearing them to join wedding ceremony and formal and informal party. Nowadays, women love to update morden clothes with nieghboring countries. In order to have these dresses made, it is not cheap.
Morden dresses for joining wedding and party
that is so elegant long-robe dresses
During the wedding reason, most of Cambodian women are busy with having their dresses made in order to join their families, friends, and relatives’ wedding ceremony. It is not cheap to spend on wedding cost. Sometimes, their dresses have been worn only 3 or 5 times and then they stopped wearing it. Some women who have not more money are to need to hire wedding dresses from Tailor shop by spending to range from 10 to 20$.
Khmer wedding dresses
When film star and martial artist Jackie Chan visited Cambodia earlier this month, he brought a simple message: arts and culture are pathways to peace.
Chan spoke to 600 students and others at the University of Cambodia, focusing on a message of world peace, reminding participants that the world is a village, and that its residents should love one another despite race, complexion and social status.
“He encouraged the younger generation to build a culture of peace,” said Kao Kim Hourn, founder of the University of Cambodia, which conferred an honorary doctoral degree in humanities to Chan.
Chan, a celebrity who had his start in Chinese films after a childhood with little education, has become a role model for the young, sponsoring educational institutes and serving as a goodwill ambassador for Unicef and UNAIDS.
Speaking as part of the Asean “Bridges” program, Chan told students that the Earth is a tiny disc when viewed from the moon, a reminder of how small the place is.
“When he was young, he asked himself, as a human being who lives on Planet Earth, before he passed away, what could he leave for the younger generation,” said Eung Kim Muyly, a freshmen of international relations atthe University of Cambodia . “We can take those words under consideration, and we will feel that we also want to do something proper for our Planet Earth and leave something valuable for our planet, as he is doing now.”
Asked about the ongoing row between Cambodian and Thailand, Chan told participants it was a matter to be settled among political leaders.
“If we know well the definition of peace, our people wouldn’t have had demonstrations to cause confrontations among both countries,” said Ky Vannaroath, a sophomore of computer science atthe university . “If a person loves peace, if 100 percent of people love peace, if everyone loves peace, then there’s no conflict. After I listened to him, I felt I must study hard. He talked about being broke when he was a student, but I have an opportunity and I therefore must study hard for my future as well as for the future of my country.”
Khmer Singer: Preap Sovath
Cambodian youths always have supported his voice, and his popularity is going smoothly. Recently, his two sons started singing in the public aired by TV5 and CTN. The both wore dresses and sang their father’s songs.
Preap Sovath told local magazines that he wants his sons to be more famous as him in the art career.
So far, Sovath has three sons. The first and second sons are following in their father’s footsteps.
Sovath told Popular Magazine that “my sons are talent for art like me but I am not sure what will happens in the future whether they really love art or not. And if they do not, I cannot push them, what is important is up to their talent.”
He added that “if they like it, I’m their father, I want them to be good sons and better than their father. And then I am so happy.”
So far, the age of Sovath is reaching 30 years old. Now, he still does not mention that when he will be retired.
The annual three-day Water Festival competes with the Khmer New Year for being the most important holiday for Cambodians. The boat races on the Tonle Sap and the carnival atmosphere ashore attract millons of people from all over the country.
A smaller Water Festival is held around Angkor Wat, but for the real thing you'll have to go to Phnom Penh.
In Khmer the annual Water Festival is called Bonn Om Toeuk. The Water and Moon Festival ushers in the fishing season. It also marks the reversal of the current in Tonle Sap river. Boat races as well as fireworks displays are held at the river.
Date in 2009:
1-2-3 November
More than 300 boats, propelled by precision-trained oarsmen, take part in the annual boat race, the highlight of the Water Festival or Bonn Om Touk. This is one of the major events in the Kingdom which attracts multitudes of people from the various provinces to the capital Phnom Penh.
They arrive by buses, cars, bikes, cyclos, bicycles and even trucks. Many stay over in the city during the three-day festival, lending support to their boat team. Others use this opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of Phnom Penh - for many it is the only occasion to visit the city.
The Water Festival also marks a unique natural phenomenon - the Tonle Sap river reverses the flow of its current. It is probably the only waterway in the world which flows in opposite directions at different times of the year.
The Tonle Sap lake or Great Lake is a vast expanse of water, once an arm of the sea, which forms the most significant topographical feature in country. The lake is fed by the Mekong river and the Tonle Sap river.
From November to May, the Tonle Sap river runs into the Mekong just like any other tributary.
But with the arrival of the monsoon rains, there is such build-up of water in the main stream that excess pours into the Tonle Sap river, forcing it to change direction and flow back into the Tonle Sap lake.
The Festival also coincides with the full moon of the Buddhist calendar month of Kadeuk. The Cambodians believe that the full moon is a good omen which promises a bountiful harvest.
On this night, especially in the countryside, people gather to give thanks to the moon. Special food is prepared for this occasion - fruits, vegetables and fish amok, a uniquely Cambodian speciality. Candles are lit, incense burnt and offerings made. The chief priest lights the candles and as it drips on the banana leaves spread beneath the candles, predictions are made. It is said that the shape of the melted wax on the banana leaves dictates the state of all future harvest for the year.
It is not surprising that the city takes on a carnival air during this period. Open-air live concerts are held, make-shift food stalls selling a variety of local fare are set up in parks and children as well as adults take rides on ferris wheels.
Colourful buntings and banners adorn government buildings and as night falls the Royal Palace is brightly lit with colourful lights. Brilliant fireworks illuminate the night sky and flotillas, outlined by lights, glide gracefully down the river. This is, in fact, Cambodia's version of the Mardis Gras.
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| World famous Hong Kong and Hollywood movie star Jackie Chan, also called Chin Long, will arrive Cambodia today for promotion of the culture of peace through the arts and culture, a press release from the International Peace Foundation and university of Cambodia, co-organizer of his trip here said on Monday. |
So far there is no new official information regarding who is leading in this race but there seem to be more publicity on Preap Sovath and as usual not much publicity on Sapoun Midada. All other roles of the movie have been filled except the main male and female characters which were said to be selected by Mao Ayouth, the Secrectary of the News Department and so far he has not given any hint as to who he will select. On a side note, there is a rumor about Sokun Nisa being speculated as a possible actoress for the female character role.
But Ke But Oun by Sampoun Midada loaded by peterpan02
Cefe Loving Sne by Sampoun Midada loaded by hthea
Sapoun Midada
Some of Sapoun Midada's Songs
Roung Pet Youeng Teng Bey (Three Friends's Love Story) loaded by pkai
Sneha Then Sour (Heavenly Love) by Sapoun Midada - loaded by nosie54
Dem Bey Avay Tov Own by Sapoun Midada - loaded by
Puk Euy Mey Euy by Sapoun Midada - loaded by Projekt420
Monuy Batbong Sne by Sapoun Midada - loaded by dimon100
Niyum Ney Snaeh by Sapoun Midada - loaded by cutiekhmergirl
Soniya Tirk Phnek by Sapoun Midada loaded by g00g33
Sman Koss Besdoung Oun by Sapoun Midada loaded by cutiekhmergirl
Besdong Niseth by Sapoun Midada and Pich Sophea loaded by virak855
Chop Bak Doub Chop Snae by Sapoun Midada loaded by KhmerChx
Roy Lien Songkum Best of Best 2007 by Sapoun Midada and others loaded by katemeas
Nirk Srok Nirk Oun by Sapoun Midada loaded by SisowatVanivan
Bong Lea Mun Oun by Sapoun Midada loaded by SisowatVanivan
Sondarn Chet Kse Guitar by Sapoun Midada by kheng22
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 11 (Sam Oun) -- A famous Hong Kong movie star, Jackie Chan, will visit Cambodia and give a lecture in the university here later this year, the official news agency AKP reported on Friday.
If the schedule will not be changed, Chan will arrive in Cambodia on November 10 and will stay here for three days, according to AKP.
While he is in Cambodia, Chan will give lecture to students at the University of Cambodia the experiences and humanity work that he has achieved and engaged with, and after that he will be awarded with an honorable doctoral degree in humanity, Kao Kim Hourn, president of the University of Cambodia, said earlier.
Meanwhile, Chan will also receive an education award from the University of Cambodia for his humanity's work and activities, Kao added.
According to the plan, Chan will also pay courtesy calls on Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, and meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Jackie Chan made his first visit to Cambodia in 2004 under the sponsors of the United Nations Children's Fund and the United Nations AIDS Program.
Chan is a keen philanthropist and UNICEF/UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador who has worked tirelessly to champion charitable works and causes.
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Many times that I went to have lunch with my co-workers at Tonle Bassac restaurant where is the comfortable place for all of you who want to eat. This restaurant offers many kinds of food. You just only pay $6 for one time, and the restaurant also has room for workshop.
Tonle Bassac Restaurant
Tonle Bassac Restaurant located at No. 177, street Mao Tse Tong, Sangkat Toul Svay Prey, Phnom pen.
Tonle Bassac Restaurant
San Somaly
Recently, performing actress, San Somaly, was badly accused of a pimp who likes obtaining girls and women for men, damaging her reputation and family. But Somaly completely rejected for a man’s allegation that she got commission on it.
In an interview with Koh Santepheap newspapers, San Somaly said that she is not a procurer. It is not true and that she added that the man has willingness to tarnish her reputation because he failed to love her. She claimed that she is not a pimp and does not do disgusting acts. By the way, she is an actor who always seeks supports from watchers, so that it is necessary to keep her dignity and integrity, and she also strongly adheres to what Cambodia’s tradition is.
Ms. Phal Thavy who is Somaly’s mother expressed disappointment to the man’s allegation about her daughter because it really defamed her daughter. She added that despite her daughter could not make a big amount of income in the last periods but her daughter still maintains her dignity. And she also adheres to Khmer tradition and doesn’t do indecent job as like what the man alleged.
San Somaly maintained that at the moment a man called her by claiming that he is a customs officer in Preah Sihanouk province, and asking her to go for a walk in Preah Sihanouk and claiming to offer her $700. And she then rejected his suggestion that angered him. And later, a man told the local magazine that he had a girlfriend who works with television channel but his girlfriend was convinced by Lon Somaly to walk away from him and then to have relationship with a senior government official. Therefore, a man accused her of a pimp. In fact, she is not aware that who his girlfriend is. What he alleged is untrue and defamed her reputation.
Battambang is a well-known Province in Cambodia where many great Khmer artists originated from in the past and present time. In the early 1900s, L’ Oknha Suttantaprija Ind who was a great poet came from Battambang. In the more recent time, there are countless artists who came from the province and excelled in Khmer entertainment world. Just to name a few: Houe Lavy, Chhorm Chorvin, Tep Rindaro, Khiev Samphet, Heng Bunleap, Doung Zorida, Chhin Seriya, Sen Ranuth, etc. came from Battambang. Now, we can add another great artist to the list – Pen Chamrong. Though he has not been on the field for many years compared to other artists on the list, Pen Chamrong is a familiar name when you talk about Khmer entertainment. Handsome, polite, talented and articulated are some of the words you can use to describe him. Only within a few years, he went from being just a helper behind the stage to a great actor. Yet, he has more potentials as both a great actor and singer. For that reason and many requests from his fans, Angkorthom.US has interviewed him and added his profile for our community.
Pen Chamrong was born in Poy Samrong Village, Thmor Kole, Battambang in 1982. His father’s name is Pen Sarouen and his mother’s name is E Samith. Both parents were farmers and they still live in Thmor Kole, Battambang today. Their current living conditions are way better off than other farmers in the village. Pen Chamrong is the youngest child among other two brothers and a sister. When he was young, he went to study at Poy Samroung Elementary school, Ta Moun Middle School and then Thmor Kole College where he started his involvement in performing arts. He then studied at the National School of Management in Phnom Penh and graduated with a Bachelor degree in Marketing. Though his family was not very poor, Pen Chamrong was not anything different from other kids in the village when he was young. He would help his parents working in the fields, fishing and selling vegetables to help out his parents after school as much as he could. His mother said very highly about Pen Chanrong that he was very polite and obedient and that she did not have to have any difficult time disciplining him. His father said Pen Chamrong was into entertainment since he was very young. He would sing and tell stories to make money from people in the village. Even his older brothers talked very highly of him. They said he was always the leader in every communication setting, especially when it comes to flirting a girl. They would let him pave the way as he is the most handsome among them. Pen Chamrong got a nick name Barang – a nick name given to kids who are tall and handsome looking like an American or a European.
His performing art involvement initially started when he was at Thmor Kole College where one of his Selabak teachers – Mr. Cheam Cheang selected him to play in Tom Teav Lakon to raise funds for his school. Mr. Cheam Cheang selected Pen Chamrong to play the King character as he saw his talents, handsome appearance and character. He then continued to coach him in both how to act and how to succeed in life. Pen Chamrong got a lot of compliment from Mr. Cheam Cheang that he was a quick learner. When he graduated from Thmor Kele College, he left his hometown for Phnom Penh to study Marketing at the National School of Management in 2002. While he was in school, he had to work part time to feed himself and to pay for school. Because he had some performing art backgrounds, he always tried to find a job in Khmer entertainment field. He tried to take part in many signing contests but he never passed the contest once. However, he never gave up and he always thought to himself that if someone could do it, he would one day be able to do it too. When K.H. Promotion had their singing contest, Pen Chamrong joined but he did not pass the contest either. Instead of giving it up like everyone else, he went to ask Mr. Kim Heng, the owner of the Production to allow him to sing again. That was when Mr. Kim Heng began to know him. With some hesitations, Mr. Kim Heng allowed him to sing but he still failed anyway.
While Pen Chamrong was leaving the studio, he ran into Mr. Kim Heng on the stairs and Mr. Kim Heng told him that if he was interested in working for him, he could come and work for him helping his crews behind the stage or wherever they went to record videos or make movies. He was very excited to take the offer though it was not an acting job he was looking for. So during weekends, he would go out with K.H. Promotion crews and helped out. In the mean time, he tried to observe how stars acted. This went on for several months. One day Mr. Kim Heng told him to bring a couple good clothes with him the next day and try to take a supporting role in a Karaoke song. That was when he first acted in a song in his life. Mr. Kim Heng liked his acting. So he was allowed to act for more songs. He continued to take part in Karaoke song video taping until one day when Mr. Kim Heng told him to try out to play a main character with Yuk Thiratha for a song called I Miss You Like Crazy.
That was his first song he acted as the main character. He said he was so nervous when he held Yuk Thiratha’s hand the first time in the video. From that point on, he gained his confidence and was able to act very well. Then, he was selected to play in a big scale movie called Choa Pus Keng Kong which was a big hit movie. He played a character of Neay Korn with Meng Kong Khea who played as Neang Saiya. Then, he played in other movies like ViNhean, Sneiha Pith, Ploueng Sne Yuvivay, Chumras Bochhi Chas and recently Machakta. Each movie added to his portfolio made him a better actor each time. More Karaoke production companies hired him to work for them afterward. In addition to acting, he is also a great host. He was a host for KH Promotion for several years and then for CTN for a period of time. While he is not known as a great singer, Pen Chamrong can sing well enough to entertain his audience. In part of his interview, he said he has been working hard on his singing skills as well.
In 2006, he was invited to perform in France with other singers. It was his first time touring outside the country, and it gave him more perspectives for him to live on as an actor and prepared him for visiting other counties. Pen Chamrong is a great actor and entertainer. He is known to be very fun to be around and skillful at talking. Of course, he is one of a few most Khmer handsome actors in Cambodia today. Many female fans go crazy about him and want to see him in person. Pen Chamrong has a great personality and he is very friendly. In part of his interview, Pen Chamrong would like to send his best regards to all his fans in the world and hope that he would be able to come to USA to meet his fans in the future. Though it is still some time in the future, he has been contacted by a star sponsor in the USA for him to come and perform. We are sure that when he is here, he will have a lot to show and entertain his fans. Angkorthom.US is very happy to interview him and add his profile to our website. We would like to wish him the best of luck for his career endeavor.
When we talk about Rock Production, the names of Khan James and Nyda (Srey Khouch) will pop up in our mind. Rock Production is one of the Khmer Entertainment companies in Cambodia. Khan James is an outstanding male singer with a great voice for Rock Production. He is the most popular artist among other male singers. He has been with Rock Production since its birth. Before Khan James became a well-known male singer for Rock Production, he had gone through a rough road in his life. Khan James was born on January 1st, 1981 in Ta Keo Province. He is the second child of six in his family (3 boys and 3 girls). His father’s name is Khan Jem who is a police officer in Ta Keo Province. His mother’s name is Phonn Phea who is a small business owner (selling Kuy Teav) in Ta Keo Province. Khan James went to Tror Pang On Dek Elementary School. Then he continued to Thnout Chum Middle School. Khan James was interested in Khmer entertainment since he was thirteen years old. He loved to sing, act and imitate other entertainers. He sang for free or some small gifts for a party or event held in his village. Khan James would cut school for a party where there was one near by. Then he would come home, collect all cooking pots, plates, bowls, spoons, and used them as his musical instruments to practice his singing and music.
The middle school where Khan James attended was a little bit far from his home. He requested his parents to buy him a bike so that he could ride to school. At that time, his parents were very poor; they could hardly afford foods for the whole family. For this reason, they could not buy him a bike. Without understanding his parents’ financial difficulties, Khan James was upset. Then he started to hang out with wrong people. At one point, Khan James and his friends stole someone’s watch and put it in a pawn shop. The owner of the watch informed Khan James’s parents about the incident.
After knowing that Khan James got involved in stealing a watch, his father (Mr. Khan Jem) was very disappointed with him. With anger, he said to him that if he could not be a good son then he would disown him. He also added that he had never had such a trouble maker kid like him and he threatened to beat him up. Hearing that his father would beat him up, Khan James decided to run away from home. Without knowing where to go, Khan James left his family and be on his own. He did not provide any contact information to his family at all. For many years, his parents thought Khan James had died.
Without his parents’ support and guidance, Khan James worked as a fish man on a boat in Thailand for seven years from 1997 to 2002. He had only one set of clothes and very little food to eat just to survive. He would spend months in the ocean. Once in awhile, he would be allowed to come to the shore. He got seasick most of the time. When Khan James had terrible life experience, he missed his family. He learned that he should not have done what he did and put his family down. For these reasons, Khan James sent his hard earned cash to his parents and hoped that they would forgive him. Mr. Khan Jem was shocked to see an unknown man asked him if he knew who Khan Makara was. Mr. Khan Jem responded Khan Makara was his son.
Khan Makara was Khan James’ original name before he became a Khmer star for Rock production. An unknown man with whom Khan James sent money to his family asked Mr. Khan Jem to go with him by riding a motorcycle together. When asked what reason, an unknown man told Mr. Khan Jem that he would find out later. During that time, Mr. Khan Jem was so worried to hear bad news about his son. Surprisingly, Khan James sent money to his family (5000 Baht) for the very first time. His family was so happy to know that Khan James was still alive and appreciated his gift. Khan James continued to send money to his family for three times during the seven years period (the total was more than ten thousand Baht).
After sending his parents some money, Khan James had a life threatening experience with other people near Thailand. He got into a conflict with which he got a death threat. This time, he had no choice but return home or he could be killed. His family used all their saving to bail him out from the conflict situation. Kham James came back to Cambodia in 2002. He then worked for a garment factory for two years. He sang for Chhuk Roth Company in Kom Pot province in 2004. Dreaming to be a well-know singer, Khan James decided to go to Phnom Penh to look for a singing job. He sang for Beer Garden restaurant in late 2006. One day, Khan James met Mr. Ung Ratha (Tuy) a very funny and well-known CTN host. Because Khan James had a great voice with very attracted character and personality, Mr. Ung Ratha (Tuy) introduced him to Mr. Keth Theang who is owner of Rock Production.
Khan James’s dream came true when Mr. Keth Theang allowed him to work for Rock Production. With full support from Rock Production and his determination, he has become one of the Rock Production best singers in early 2007. Khan James has worked very hard since that time. Khan James is a very handsome and friendly person with a great character. There are many trainers and coaches helped Khan James to develop and build up his singing skills. Those key trainers are Mr. Soun Piseth, Mr. Chhaiy Sameth, Mr. Oak Sam Art, and Mr.Yen Kim San. They all worked as a team to train Khan James until he is very successful.
Up to now, Khan James has sung twelve songs for Rock Production. These songs are: Som Reik Bess Dong, Bopha Kror Pumm, Mott Ta Nak Cheith Chea Khmer, Ror Bamm Chong Snei, Roy Porn Pnhoue SA, Bong Pouek Mith Chhreit, Sday Krouy, You Vei Chun Khmer, Kmein Louek Ti Pi, and Oun Knong Bess Dong Bong. His very first song that makes him famous was Som Reik Bess Dong. As we all noticed that Rock Production has written their own songs. So it took Khan James two weeks to get his first song recorded.
During Khan James’s interview On CTN Channel 21 with Ms. Yok Chenda, he asked his father for his forgiveness. Of course, just like all parents would do, Mr. Khan Jem forgave his son. Beside, he admitted that he must share some faults for Khan James to run away from home. Mr. Khan Jem added that he should not use very strong words to push his son to the end of the robe. Before Ms. Yok Chenda ended her interview, Khan James expressed his thanks via CTN to all his teachers, trainers, and his fans for supporting and loving him. He also requested all fans to buy only the original DVDs of Rock production. Angkorthom.US would like to thank CTN best staffs (Ms. Yok Chenda and Mr. Ith Setha) for interviewing Khan James on CTN Channel 21. Angkorthom.US wishes Khan James the best in his life and career. We will watch his life shine from the distance.
Robam Chong Snei by Khan James
Bopha Kropum by Khan James
Plerng Snei by Khan James
Samrek Besdong by Khan James
Snei Oun Chea Nich by Khan James
Midada was born on 2/3/1981. His father’s name is Kim Sapoun - a Khmer traditional musician and Lakorn Basak actor. He passed away on 10/10/2007 at the age of 66. Please see the news article about his father’s death here. His mother is Ben San. She is now 69 years old. She lives with him today. Sapoun Midada has two brothers with no sister in the family. He is the youngest child. Both brothers are not in performing arts nor Khmer entertainment. They are working and live on their own with their families. Sapoun Midada was born in Kean Svay – Kandal Province. He went to study in Sam Roung Elementary school in Kean Svay. He then came to live in Phnom Penh and studied at Vath Kos and then Sisovath College. Because his father knew French very well, he learned French from his father since he was young. Because French was his favorite field and he already had a good base of it already, Sapoun Midada initially thought that he would pursue a career in French. So he then decided to continue to study French at a French cultural center in Phnom Penh.Because he did not have money to pay for the class, he could only study from the outside of the classroom. He would sit outside of the classroom and listen to the teacher through the window. His big problem was he did not have enough money to buy a guitar to practice. “The guitar only cost $8 but I just didn’t have the money to buy one!” Sapoun Midada said that three times to emphasize how poor he was at the time. With his shaking voice, I could tell that he was little emotional when he got to this point. So what he did was to clean the classroom at the end of the class in exchange of borrowing a guitar to practice for an hour or two each day from the instructor. Because he liked music and he had talents, with his strong determination he learned music very fast. He said he learned even faster than students who were in the classroom.
Sapoun Midada then worked as a free-lance news reporter. He wrote news articles and sold them to magazine and news companies. While he worked as a journalist, he created a music band with some of his friends. So he was able to earn enough money to support his family by being both a journalist and musician. His band was hired to play for restaurants and various social and traditional events. There was one day when his band was invited by TVK to perform for a TV program. That was when he was seen by a Rasmey Hang Meas (RHM) production manager. He was then hired to work as guitarist. Since he studied music, Sapoun Midada could not only play the guitar, but he could also compose music and write songs for RHM. His work ethics, performance and character were gradually recognized by RHM management team and he was then allowed to sing and record songs. In 2004, Sapoun Midada was awarded with a 5 year contract by RHM.
Most of his fans know Sapoun Midada’s songs were mostly sad, emotional and slow songs typically describing a heart broken love story, his hometown or his parents. Those songs were originally written about his past unsuccessful love and most of his fans know that. When asked about his past love story, he was first hesitant but a few second later, he decided to tell the story that induced him to write all the songs. He defined the story as “shadow of the past.” When he was in Sisovath College, he had a loving relationship with a classmate named Lina. The relation went every well, and they both had built a lot of memories together. The fairy tale went on until one day when Lina decided to leave him and married someone else because he was poor. That terribly devastated him big time. He endured tremendous pains from his betraying love and nothing seemed to help him to release those pains but music.
To ease the pains, he took every opportunity he had to express himself through his music and songs. His first two songs he wrote were Debey Awey Tov Oun and Krup Yang Debey Ouen. Please watch videos below. There were many other sad songs he wrote about his love for Lina. Now, Sapoun Midada was completely recovered from this “shadow of the past.” He was very upbeat with his career and his future. He said when he looked back he was very happy that Lina decided to marry someone else or he would have been a father with many children on his load by now, and he might not be the same famous Sapoun Midada today. It was wonderful that he was able to turn the pains from his failed love into something he could use to motivate and focus on his career. He even wrote a song to thank Lina for breaking up with him. The song title is Or Kun Oun that Ban Kbot Bong (Thank You for Betraying Me).
So far, he has not played in any big scale movie yet. That is because RHM has not done very many big scale movies and he can’t play for any other movie production companies as he is in a contract with RHM. Part of the interview, Sapuon Midada took the time to explain about his candidacy for the Sdach Korn character for the upcoming RHM movie. At this point he said the decision as to who would play the Sdach Korn role has not been decided. The scripts and appointment of Sdach Korn character have to be approved by government as Sdach Korn movie is a part of Khmer history. However, he was told to be prepared and stand by. He is now practicing and training how to perform traditional fights, ride horses, climbing trees, etc. Though there have been other rumors as to who will play Sdach Korn character, Sapoun Midada and Preap Sovath are the two likely candidates for the role. Angkorthom.US has been running a survey and so far Sapoun Midada seems to be leading.
When asked about his current dating, Sapoun Midada did not say specifically that he was having someone in his heart but said in a joking way that it was typical that he was as a star there were always girls chasing. On a serious note, he said it wouldn’t be too soon and it wouldn’t be too long when he would marry someone and get settled down. He knew his mother was getting old and he wanted to get marry while she was still alive. When asked if his mother was going to find someone for him or she was going to accept a girl who he loved. He said his mother already told him that she would not interfere with his marriage and that she would accept any girl he wanted to marry.
It was a very pleasant experience to talk with Sapoun Midada. At a personal level, he is a very smart and friendly – down to earth kind of person. He likes talking very much. Without asking many questions, he told his story like reading from a book. Among all other stars, I have interviewed, Sapoun Midada is the most committed to Khmer entertainment. He said, “I was born for Khmer entertainment and I will die for Khmer entertainment.” This sentence alone says it all about the love he has for Khmer entertainment. He also said the reason he landed on what he is doing today was not accidental, he had planned and worked hard for it. If he was old and couldn’t sing or act any more, he would compose music, write songs or teach. That is his future plan. He is also dedicated to Buddhism. After his father passed away, he took time from his busy schedule to serve as a monk to pay respects to his parents and Buddhism in March 2008 for 15 days. His education, determination and disciplines have shaped him for who he is and it was all reflected in the way he presented himself.
Like other most contracted RHM singers, Sapoun Midada has not got to visit any other country except Malaysia so far. So if his visa application is successful, USA would be the big first Western country he visits. He said he was very excited and he wanted to see how USA is and bring back ideas to help Cambodia. Just on a side note, Sapou Midada likes American politics very much that he follows everything about US politics. The over all feeling I got from the interview is he is calm, confident, intelligent and very upbeat about his future. Angkorthom.US is honored to talk with him. We hope his visa application for visiting USA is successful and that he can come and visit Khmer communities in USA in the near future.
After we updated our article on November 12, 2008, different rumors about VJ Ano continued to spread. Though there were many news articles published by some reputable websites, there was no one news article that people could make sense. Some said VJ Ano was in Vietnam, Some said VJ Ano was in Kam Pong Thom, Some said VJ Ano was in Thailand. Some said VJ Ano had died and so on and so forth. The news about VJ Ano got more and more confusing and people speculated this and that without any reliable sources. What made people astonished the most was when VJ Ano suddenly appeared on TV3 on Wednesday 19, 2008 for Supper Hi-Tech Program. Our Admin Team in Cambodia took a picture of her from her TV screen to share with us. VJ Ano looked healthy and happy though she was upset with the rumors and news articles about her alleged razor attack. She threatened to file complaints again those news agencies that published those articles. After her appearance, people know that she is a live. Regardless of her appearance, there are some news articles and rumors about the conspiracy to cover up the alleged incident. Angkorthom.US is not speculating anything without having reliable sources and we wanted to conclude that VJ Ano is still alive at this point and that she is in Cambodia.
Updated on November 12, 2008: Is VJ Ano Dead or Alive?
While fans around the world were waiting for a confirmation about VJ Ano’s razor blade attack and whishing her a quick recovery, there was another rumor last weekend that VJ Ano had died of her wounds at an unidentified hospital in Vietnam. Though this was a rumor and there had not been any reliable source of information such as a VJ Ano’s relative came forward to confirm, people took this as real. They thought it must be something wrong for someone like VJ Ano missing for a few weeks without trace but rumors like these. Kohsantepheapdaily released an article on November 11, 2008 that they had also received the information that VJ Ano had died. They were trying to confirm the information but what they got was the same news was being passed from one person to another. Angkorthom.US had also received updated email from Khmerization that they also received the same information. According to the article posted by Kohsantepheapdaily, VJ Ano was a very elusive person. She had no real residence and no relatives that people knew. Even her co-hostess Molina was very close to VJ Ano said she never talked about where she lived or her relatives. Molina did not know why VJ Ano had to be very mysterious. According to Kohsantepheapdaily, people think someone knows something about VJ Ano but did not want to speak up.
On the contrary, on November 12, 2008 a Vietnamese news website (VnExpress) released an article in Vietnamese contradicting to the rumor now that VJ Ano had died. The article said in part that VJ Ano was at FV hospital (http://www.fvhospital.com) for treatment, and she discharged two weeks ago with good condition. Since this article was written in Vietnamese, we had someone translate it. This article seems to provide more information about VJ Ano. The translation of the article was posted below. Regardless of her mystery and conflicting information, people feel sad to hear the unfortunate rumor about her death, but most of them think being a pretty girl and involved in a triangle affair is not a good idea, especially in Cambodia. Angkorthom.US will continue to provide new updates if we receive any new information about VJ Ano. We also would like anybody who knows anything about VJ Ano share any information about her.
Unofficial translating from this article:
FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City provided treatment for a woman from Cambodia. She did not die when she was discharged from the hospital 2 weeks ago.
According to a staff of the Hospital FV, VJ Ano was hospitalized for severe damaging condition. The doctors had to use all techniques to treat her successfully. When asked specifically, the hospital refused to provide information because it was a personal confidentiality of the patient. Also according to FV, before coming here, the patient had been treated at other hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City and FV is the last one. An employee of FV Hospital asserted VJ Ano was discharged about 2 weeks ago in stable health condition. But since then if she is back to Viet Nam for treatment at other places or not, we do not know," the person said.
On November 12, 2008, VnExpress.net has contacted other hospitals and Cho Ray Hospital of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City specializing in treating foreign patients the name of VJ Ano was not on their recent patient list. Moc Bai Border Check Point confirmed that VJ Ano did not pass immigration check point into Cambodia recently. Some people guessed that she went to Kom Pong Thom - where her parents live - from Xamat border check point (Tay Ninh). In addition, some said VJ Ano was still in Viet Nam at a cosmetic hospital in Tra Vinh, where she has some relatives.
VJ Ano real name is Pheakdei Suon, a 27 year old, is the MC of TV3 television in Phnom Penh. She is an MC, model and famous television actress in Cambodia. When VJ Ano was not seen for a few weeks, then Khmer artists in Cambodia had a rumor that she had died after her treatment in Viet Nam. She is a victim of jealousy attack with knives. Last two weeks, Cambodian newspapers continually published the news. Sophorn and Procheaprey, Koh Santepheap reported that VJ Ano was hospitalized with a lot of cuts on her whole body and she was seriously injured and lost a lot of blood. After she went to an emergency room at Calmette hospital in Phnom Penh, she was determined to have only 20% chance to survive, she was then transferred to a hospital Viet Nam.
VJ Ano is the second Cambodian star who was saved at the hospitals in Viet Nam. Earlier, on May 2, 2007, a number one Cambodian Pop music singer Panhapich Pov had also been treated at Cho Ray hospital successfully when she was shot at her neck vertebrae. Pov Panhapich also did not return home because of the fear being killed and she now lives at her house in a South- East of Vietnam.
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Oreginal Article postd on November 7, 2008
Most people agree VJ Ano - original name Souen Peakdey is a very pretty young woman. In her public appearances, she was always dressed with very fashionable outfits in a latest modern style. She had been very visible in Khmer modeling and commercial industry. Also VJ Ano was a key hostess for TV3. Among other Khmer hostesses, actresses, models or singers, VJ Ano was recognized as a very attractive young woman. Not only young men would kneel for her, but also Ta Ta would salivate and fantasize about VJ Ano. Everything was great about VJ Ano until recently when there was a shocking rumor spreading all over Khmer entertainment communities like a wild fire inside and outside of Cambodia that VJ Ano was viciously cut approximately 83 times with a razor blade on her face and body.
The news came to Angkorthom.US community on November 4th, 2008 when one of our Admin Team members from Phnom Penh shared the rumor she heard at her college and then another Angkorthom.US Admin Team member from Australia said she also heard about it. People began to speculate and talk about the rumor. On November 5th, 2008, a news article was written by Seth Kim Sean of Khmer Sthapana & Sophan Maganize website. The article reported that they were told by people who knew VJ Ano and witnesses that they saw VJ Ano was viciously cut many times with a razor blade on her face and body by an escorted woman who was perceived to be a high ranking government official’s wife. The article also said from a reliable source VJ Ano was painfully cut approximately 83 times on the face and body and nobody dared to help her. Witnesses could only stand and watch.
It was said VJ Ano was in Singapore for her treatment but in fact she was in Vietnam. They also said the chance she could survive was slim and that she might die. Part of the article, people speculated that VJ Ano had a “triangle” loving relationship with a “powerful government official.” Some people told Sophan Magazine that before VJ Ano had a relationship with that “powerful government official,” she had a loving relationship with a Spa salon owner but they broke up. It also said before the wife of that “powerful government official” got angry and attacked her, VJ Ano was warned many times but her secret loving relationship still went on.
On November 07, 2008, Everyday, Kohsantepheapdaily and RFA published news articles on their website about the incident. Khosantepheapdaily reported that they talked with Mr. Bou Boran – the manager of TV3 that he was not certain that VJ Ano was attacked like what the magazine published but he confirmed that VJ Ano had disappeared and he had to find her replacement. Also they tried to talk to Kong Socheat – another TV3 hostess and she said she did not know anything about it. People have been talking about the incident but there have not been any relative of VJ Ano came forward to clarify or confirm it.
RFA reported that they talked with Mr. Eang Sithol – the Chief of Khmer Artist Association that he had received the news about VJ Ano’s incident and he also said he received the news from other artists that VJ Ano whose real name was Souen Peakdey, a hostess for TV3 was sent to another country for treatment after the attack. RFA also reported that they talked with a spokesman of Vietnam Embassy in Cambodia – Mr. Tring Bakam that he said he did not know that VJ Ano went to Vietnam for her treatment. Everyday reported that there was no information about this incident filed with any authority, police department or court.
At this point, it seems like the story of the incident has not been verified or validated by any reliable source. There is no place, date and time of the incident has been given so far. Of course Khmer entertainment communities and fans of Khmer entertainment in the world have been worried for the life of VJ Ano and hope the best for the young pretty hostess. They hope this is just a rumor. VJ Ano is 27 years old according to the article by Everyday. They only know that she does not have a house in Phom Penh and nobody seems to know where she lived. She does not have any relatives in Phnom Penh except a God sister.
Handsome, gentle, humble and soft spoken, Chhouen Oudom is a great singer. Some people said he does not look like a singer or entertainer but a college professor or a doctor. That is because he is always dressed like an office professional or educator. Regardless of his look or what people say about him, Chhouen Oudom is a career singer. He has been recording and singing for many years now. At least at the moment, Chhouen Oudom does not consider himself anything else but a singer. So far he had played in two movies but has not been recorded for any new movie for the past several years. Looking at his career line, Chhouen Oudom came to the Khmer entertainment world and became known to Khmer entertainment communities about the same time and capacity as Yun Sopheap and Ek Siday. They have similar styles and sing the same kinds of song. Though he is not considered a super star like Preap Sovath or Chorn Sovanareach, he is very visible and popular among middle age and matured audience for his character and performance. Most middle age and matured audience outside and inside of the country know him.
Chhouen Odom is from Prey Veng province. He was born in 1979 in Kampong Threa village, Mesar Preah Chan District, Srok Pear Rang. Like most Khmer career singers, Chhouen Oudum came from a farmer background. Both parents were farmers. His father’s name is Chhom Chhouen and mother is Lo Thorn. His father was a self-taught musician. Though he had his own band, Chhouen Oudom would not consider his father’s involvement with music at a professional level. He then gave up his musical band as he grew older. Chhouen Oudom has a small family. He has only one sister named Chhouen Sokha who is already married and an older brother named Chhouen Sokhorn. Chhouen Oudom is the middle child. So far he is the only child in the family who is in Khmer performing arts. When asked if either his older brother or younger sister would be interested in performing arts, he said, “Maybe not.”
Just like other kids in the village, Chhoun Oudom went to study at Wat Kampong Threa Elementary School. He then went to study at Measar Preah Chan Middle School. After school each day, he always took his time and worked in the farm to help his parents. He did not have a chance to attend a High School. Because of his family’s financial problems, Chhouen Oudom had to quit school and went to Phnom Penh in hope to find work. At the time, even though he liked singing, he never thought one day he could be a professional singer, so his goal was to come to Phnom Penh just to find any job he could find. He stayed with one of his cousins in Phnom Penh.
With help from his cousin, Chhouen Oudom applied for a job with an aluminum factory that produced household accessories and equipment. He was then hired. His initial salary was $22 or $23 a month. While he worked for the factory, people came to know that he could sing. So they encouraged him to take a contest. Not until 1998 when Chhouen Oudom took his first step in performing arts and participated in a signing contest hosted by TV5 called Konloung Dara. Surprisingly, Chhouen Oudom received a 2nd place award. That was when he realized that he had the talent and developed a plan to pursue a career in singing. It is good to note that Yuk Chinda was working for TV5 at the time and that she was one of his examiners at the contest. After he received the award, he then got a job with TV5 as a singer for Thai movies. People then begin to know him from watching Thai movies.
After working for TV5 for 2 years, he then began to work for Reak Smey Stung Sangke (SSK). His first song with SSK Production was Klach Roka Dek. Again, most of his songs were used as part of Thai movies. Though he got a job as a singer with a reputable music production company such as SSK, he did not make enough money to support himself and his family. So after working for SSK each day, he bought old motorcycles, fixed and sold them for profits with a friend of his. This went on for many years. Chhoun Oudom was then more and more recognized by other video and music production companies and given opportunities to work for them. Sam Pov Meas, Bopha, SM, Morodok, Tomeas and Reymeas were some of the companies he worked for. Chhouen Oudom’s songs mostly are slow oldie or newly written for a movie. He sings some Khmer traditional songs such as Rom Vong, Rom Kbach, Lam Loa, etc. Since he worked for SSK for many years, he was seen pairing up with Chhin Seriya and they both became very good friends.
A part of his career achievement Chhoun Oudom also played in a couple movies. The first movie called Morodok Snei and the other movie called Amatak Snei produced by Prum Mean Chay Peap Yun. His popularity and reputation traveled overseas and he got recognized by Khmer entertainment sponsors via his movies and DVD and CD albums. So he was sponsored to perform in Australia (three times), France and USA. At the time this interview took place, Chhouen Oudom was completing his immigration process to visit and perform in Canada.
Choun Oudom is very humble person. During his interview with both Yuk Chinda and Angkorthom.US, he was always very careful not to make him look or sound too over-confident more than he really is. Unlike other stars or singers, Chhouen Oudom is perhaps the least publicized Khmer singer in the media. There is never been a rumor or headline story about Chhouen Oudom. It is hard to find his pictures or stories on the Internet. That is because Chhouen Oudom is a gentle man who has no controversial stories for the media to pick up.
At a personal level, he is always dressed appropriately and presents himself as a professional Khmer man. He speaks softly with smiles and is always respectful to his audience. At the time of his interview with Angkorthom.US, Chhouen Oudom was experiencing a nasal problem which had prevented him from singing for the last several months. Angkorthom.US could feel his concern about his medical problem which may interfere with his career. Angkorthom.US would like to join with his fans around the world to wish him a quick recovery from his nasal problem and best wishes for his career endeavor.
Chhouen Oudom's Video Collection
