Water Festival (1-2-3- of November,2009)

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.

Carnival in Phnom Penh

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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Jackie Chan to Arrive Cambodia Today

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. Jackie Chan, also is a keen philanthropist and a UNICEF/ UNAIDS goodwill ambassador, will jointly sing with famous Cambodian singers including Preab Sowath, Hem Sivorn, and Meng keo Pic Chenda from 4- 6 pm today at South East Asia Television in Tek Thla location in Phnom Penh, the press release said. Jackie Chan will deliver his speech about arts and culture as a pathway towards peace at University of Cambodia at 2 pm on November 11, and he also will receive an honorary doctorate degree from UC. On Wednesday, November 11 at 10:30, he also will have dialogue with high school students at the International School of Phnom Penh in Phnom Penh (Cambodia ), but this will not be a public event. “Jackie Chan in Cambodia is one of a series of the famous and world leaders to be here to share experiences and their contribution to promote culture of peace and region and the world,” said Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, UC president. Jackie Chan is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, filmmaker, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer who has appeared in over 100 films. He has received stars on the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars and the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been referenced in various pop songs, cartoons and video games. Having released 20 albums, he is also a Cantopop and Mandopop star who sang many of the theme songs for his films. In 2008 he performed at the Summer Olympics closing ceremony in Beijing . Jackie Chan began his adult career in 1971 in the Kung Fu film A Touch of Zen. He worked as a stuntman in the Bruce Lee films Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon and received his first starring role in Little Tiger of Canton in 1973. Jackie Chan’s first major breakthrough was the 1978 film Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow, the film which established the comedic kung fu genre. He then directed The Fearless Hyena and starred in Drunken Master, which propelled him to mainstream success. In the 1980s Jackie Chan’s films began to reach a larger audience in East Asia , with early successes in the Japanese market including The Young Master (1980) and Dragon Lord (1982). In 1985 Jackie Chan made the first Police Story film, a US-influenced action comedy in which he, as in most of his films, performed his own stunts. It was named the” Best Movie“ at the 1986 Hong Kong Film Awards. In 1987 Jakkie Chan played ”Asian Hawk“, an Indiana Jones-esque character, in the film Armor of God. The film was his big- gest domestic box office success to date. Jackie Chan established a foot- hold in the North American market in 1995 with a worldwide release of Rumble in the Bronx, attaining a cult following in the United States that was rare for Hong Kong movie stars. The success of Rumble in the Bronx led to a 1996 release of Police Story 3 in the United States under the title Supercop. He then starred in Jackie Chan’s First Strike (1997), Mr. Nice Guy (1998) and the buddy cop action comedy trilogy Rush Hour (1998, 2001, 2007) as well as in Shanghai Noon (2000), The Tuxedo (2002), The Medallion (2003), Shanghai Knights (2003) and Around the World in 80 Days (2004). In 2003 he started his own film production company with films including New Police Story (2004), The Myth (2005) and Rob-B-Hood (2006). 2008 and 2009 saw the films The Forbidden Kingdom, Jakkie Chan’s first onscreen collaboration with fellow Chinese actor Jet Li, and Shinjuku Incident.

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There is a rumor that Preap Sovath is competing neck to neck with Sapoun Midada to be selected for the main character as Sdech Korn - the up-coming big scale movie by Hang Meas Productions. According to a news article released by Everyday on 08/24/2007, Preap Sovath was working out pumping his muscles so he could look bigger and stronger for the role. Also, the article said Preap Sovath was spending money to treat very important people who might be able to help him get the role. Some people believe Preap Sovath has a better edge over Sapoun Midada as the “Crocodile” movie which he played the main male character is very successful; whereas Sapoun Midada has not played for any successful big scale movie so far. Talking about the fans, they both have about the same popularity though Preap Sovath tends attract younger and city fans and Sapoun Midada tends to attract older and rural fans. For the body build, they both look about the same though Sapoun Midada looks a little bigger than Preap Sovath.

A report by Reaksmey Kampuchea newspapers said that Sapoun Midada is leading because his popularity is more toward middle and old age fans who are more likely to like the movie. It was said Preap Sovath’s popularity has been going down hill these days due to the death of his song writer – Chum Bun Thouen. There are some new Rasmey Hang Meas Productions’ DVDs that don’t even have one Preap Sovath’s song in them. Preap Sovath is seen losing focus as he is involved with a lot of businesses which may require his undivided attention. Recently, Modern Magazine released a news article about his new Beautician (Preap Sovath’s Som Arng Ka) shop run by his mother-in-law – Kong Chantu had recently opened. There are different services ranging from $700USD to $2,000USD per wedding. For $1,500 and up, Preap Sovath will perform live at the wedding as part of the service. Around July 2007, he has opened a restaurant called Slok Chak (Chak Leaf). On the opposite, Sapoun Midada has been very focusing on singing, acting and song writing for Hang Meas Productions.

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

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Hong Kong movie star to visit Cambodia

Hong Kong movie star to visit Cambodia

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.
Read and Watch More!

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Lunch at Tonle Bassac Restaurant

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

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San Somaly denied allegation of a pimp

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.

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