Miss Aphone Lao beauty contest 2008 was held on 20 December, at the National Cultural Hall, Vientiane Capital, Laos.
18 women selected across the country are attended at the Miss Aphone contest 2008 last night and the final results for this beauty contest is as follow:
Miss Apone Lao 2008 is A10 from Champasack The frist runner up is A9 from Champasack The second runner up is A2 from Vientiane The 4 & 5th is A8 & A16 from Vientiane
Miss Congeniality is A7 from Luang Prabang Miss Photogenic is A8 from Vientiane Miss Popular vote is A4 from Vientiane
All the competitors had learnt many kinds of activities before the contest for examples: the Lao Traditional, food cooking and other traditional culture of Laos. The Miss Aphone contest is aiming at promoting fine traditional culture of Laos.
(KPL) Laos found the crude oil mine in Phin district of Savannakhet province when the England Survey Company disclosed primary information on high potential of oil source in Savannakhet province, amid the oscillatory oil price in the world market, said an official of Energy and Mine Office, Savannakhet province.
Last years, Laos faced trade deficit was attributed to the import of oil because Laos could not refine or produce the fuels for public service to spur the economic growth.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has recently reported that most of oil domestic consumption was imported by 100%. So when the oil price increased in the world market, of course it affected all sectors in country that Lao people can not avoid this problem...more info>>
The latest news, the Energy and Mine Office of Savannakhet province told KPL news yesterday that it found the oil mine in Phin district of Savannakhet province, after the Lao Government in collaboration with an England Company carried out a survey of oil resource.
Having found primary information on the oil resource in Phin district was sparking the Lao government’s attempt has high hopefulness to reduce the import of oil.
Mr Phonkeo Phoutthapayalad, Head of Energy and Mine Office, Savannakhet province disclosed that England survey company found the oil resources in Savannakhet province, after it conducted its survey in July 2008. But now the survey was stopped because of rainy season and one more reason England Survey Company still waited the drilling equipment that will import from Africa.
The England Survey Company has so far imported the drilling equipment from Vietnam, but it can not use this land and it suitable for the sea.
With little movement among the world's top teams in November's FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, little Laos stole the show by soaring up 28 places to 162nd in the global pecking order.
In doing so, the tiny South-East Asian nation became the second-best movers after Jamaica, who made an incredible 33-place leap to 83rd courtesy of their solitary-goal victories over Mexico and Honduras in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Laos, for their part, made the best climb in their history due to a streak of brilliant displays in qualifying for December's AFF Suzuki Cup, previously known as the Tiger Cup...more info>>
Although qualifying for a major international or continental competition remains merely a dream for Laos, they are by no means strangers on the regional stage, having figured in each of the past six editions of the Tiger Cup, starting in 1996. Under Russian boss Valeri Vdovin, they took October's qualifying campaign by storm to book their seventh consecutive appearance at the regional showpiece.
A narrow 3-2 loss to hosts Cambodia was not what Vdovin's young charges had hoped for in their opening qualifying game on 17 October, but they staged a major comeback four days later, pulling off a 2-1 win over the Philippines to set their campaign back on track. From there, they went on to dispatch Brunei 3-2 before rounding off with a 2-1 victory over Timor Leste, a result which earned them the first qualifying spot.
Laos' impressive run didn't go unnoticed by Cambodia coach Prak Sovannara, who was full of praise for Vdovin's dynamic outfit. "Laos are a very strong team, perhaps the best team in this tournament," said the hosts' manager.
One team, two tasks The qualifying success was a testament to the nation's recent development program, which has included the signing of Vdovin in July and the launching of a training camp based in Hong Anh Gia Lai, a hotbed of football in neighbouring Vietnam. And the Suzuki Cup qualifying achievement is even more impressive when one considers that Vdovin's troops in Cambodia were an U-23 side, who are currently preparing intensely for next year's South-East Asian (SEA) Games.
In a long run, the major task for Vdovin and his team is to break new ground at the 2009 SEA Games, of which they are hosts for the first time. But with their AFF Suzuki Cup campaign kicking off on 5 December in Thailand's Phuket, the Russian tactician is aware that they have some urgent expectations to live up to.
Laos have been drawn in Group B, which also features Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, strong teams who are all capable of mounting a serious challenge for the tournament. As if this were not daunting enough, Vdovin's major concern is that he will have to stick with the same U-23 side against opponents who will all field senior national teams.
"The boys have been working very hard, it's worth considering how much progress we have made," Vdovin said to the media prior to their first game against Malaysia this weekend.
Laos have rarely been considered more than whipping boys at this level, and they had a forgettable campaign in the last edition of the tournament two years ago, when they conceded 23 goals in three group games to crash out. Vdovin, however, has higher ambitions this time around.
"It is crucial that we tighten up the defense and sharpen the finishing," he explained. "We are a young team, so we need to concentrate on keeping our shape and minimizing mistakes, now that we are competing at a higher level."
Hmong fashion show unveils new talent A 16-year-old beauty, Ms Yer Vang, won first prize at a Hmong fashion show held in Xaythany district in Vientiane over the weekend.
The well presented and intelligent Ms Yer is a member of the well- known performance group Nasala, which explains her excellent singing, dancing and stage presence.
Audience members were captivated by her beautiful voice when she sang the traditional song Khubthoum , bestowing praises on government leaders in her mother tongue...more info and photos >>
Ms Yer also won the popular vote from the audience in addition to being awarded first place by the judges.
Over two nights, audiences flocked to enjoy the spectacular fashion show and performances of traditional Hmong dancing and singing.
Thirty-one participants from the district were selected to take part in the show by showcasing traditional Hmong clothing and culture, while competing for prizes.
Ms Chua Her, a 17-year-old participant taking a course in environmental studies at the National University of Laos, said after a month of rehearsals and preparation she had learnt how to live alongside different people and express and share ideas and feelings.
She decided to take part in the show because she wanted to entertain people with her singing and dancing skills.
“I felt so excited about performing on stage with friends in front of a crowd. I believe the show has helped build up my confidence and ability,” Ms Chua Her said.
A highlight of the event was a group dance involving all participants dressed in traditional Hmong costumes that originated from Luang Prabang, Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces.
Various community groups from Xaythany district were invited to entertain audiences with singing and dancing performances during the event.
Xaythany District Governor Bounthong Phommachan said the fashion show was held to coincide with the Hmong New Year which occurs next month, and aimed to promote tourism in the district.
“We spent a lot of effort and resources to organise this show because we want to preserve and encourage Hmong culture, so people in Laos and foreign countries can learn more about Hmong people and their customs and traditions,” he said.
“Their performances on stage will provide much pride for Hmong people and encourage them to preserve and promote their cultural identity.” Mr Bounthong hoped the success of the event would encourage other ethnic groups to organise similar shows to preserve their cultures.
Organisers hope the event will became an annual affair.
The Vientiane Urban Development and Administration Authority expects lighting in Vientiane to be improved in time for the city's 450th anniversary as the Lao capital.
Good street lighting and traffic lights can help reduce road accidents and theft as well as making Vientiane more attractive Municipal authorities are asking for more than 52 billion kip (US$6 million) to brighten up the streets of Vientiane ahead of the city's 450th anniversary as the Lao capital, in 2010...more>>
The Vientiane Urban Development Administration Authority (VUDAA) says the funds are necessary to modernise streetlights and traffic lights in the capital so equipment is standardised and regular maintenance can be carried out.
Major roads including Kaysone Phomvihane and Asean roads have been rebuilt, but street lighting has not yet been installed due to a lack of funds.
The authority also needs money to pay its electricity bills. Electricité du Laos bills the authority more than 100 million kip for street lighting each month and VUDAA has outstanding bills of more than six billion kip.
VUDAA Vice President, Mr Ketkeo Sihalath, said lighting improvements were one of six targets for the capital ahead of the anniversary. The other goals include enhanced security, cleanliness, green spaces, overall attractiveness and modernisation, all aimed at creating an aesthetically pleasing city.
Street lighting is essential in a town the size of Vientiane . In addition to reducing road accidents, streetlights also reduce the risk of theft and other crimes, Mr Ketkeo said.
He said there were not enough staff in his office to manage the daily workload and he asked for the public's help in informing the authority when streetlights and traffic lights malfunction.
Vientiane has four street lighting systems: automatic, switch-operated, solar powered and lights whose damaged cables have to be repaired manually.
Each system has its own problems. Lights that turn on automatically suffer from irregular electricity supply and power outages cause the system to reset the timing so the lights don't switch on when they should.
Another major problem is the shortage of spare parts. For example, the streetlights along Lane Xang Avenue near Patuxay are no longer being produced by the Chinese manufacturer. The company now produces a new model and no longer makes parts for older models.
“We need to change all of these lights so we know we can obtain spare parts for them,” Mr Ketkeo said.
Officials encounter similar problems when it comes to traffic lights. Mr Ketkeo said it was difficult to get new parts to replace faulty equipment.
Several traffic lights in the capital are out of action after being damaged in accidents. This is causing confusion and congestion at road junctions, which heightens the risk of accidents, especially now there are so many vehicles on the roads.
Mr Ketkeo said when traffic lights were broken it took a long time to repair them because it was difficult to obtain new parts. Yet again, the traffic lights installed in Vientiane were imported from China some years ago and the manufacturer is now producing a new model, so spare parts are difficult to find.
The traffic lights at the km 6 junction on Kaysone Phomvihane Road ceased to function three months ago when a vehicle ploughed into them and damaged the electrical system.
This has caused erratic traffic flow at the junction and VUDAA has asked Electricité du Laos to help repair the lights.
VUDAA wants to make public the difficulties it faces after hearing endless complaints from motorists about the damaged traffic lights.
Officials are well aware that when traffic lights are not working they pose a serious risk to motorists.
A resident of Xiengda village in Xaysettha district, Mr Mee, 32, said there were often accidents on Kamphengmeuang Road at night, especially at the junction with the road leading to Dongkhamxang Finance School.
He said last week he saw a motorbike hit a bicycle at about 7pm. The motorist told police he did not see the bicycle because it was too dark.
Mr Mee said there were street lights along the road but not all of them were switched on in the area where the accident occurred.
Last year 2,190 accidents were recorded in the capital, according to the Vientiane Traffic Police Department.
In the first six months of 2007 there were 1,191 accidents, but records for the same period in 2008 showed an increase to 1,296 incidents.
From January to June this year 274 accidents were reported in Sikhottabong district, the highest number recorded in any district of Vientiane.
Mr Ketkeo issued a call for assistance to help VUDAA achieve its goals.
“We want streetlights and traffic lights to be integrated into a modern system with a centralised switch. We also need to make sure we have spare parts so we can replace components when lights are broken,” he said.
“We are fairly confident we will achieve our goals ahead of the anniversary celebrations in 2010.”
The Los Angeles (L.A.) Weekly profiles a 28-year-old former semipro skateboarder who, after taking a trip to Thailand in 2002 and buying a folk instrument as a souvenir, went on to master it. Jonny Olsen plays a mouth organ called a khaen. He’s now the only white pop star in Laos, shocking Laotians with his khaen chops. It’s a fascinating story...more info>>
When he dug into the history of his instrument and learned of its Laotian origins, Olsen decided he wanted to become a proselytizing spokesperson for Laotian culture; he abandoned all Thailand connections to focus entirely on the lesser-known underdog style of Morlum Lao folk. His second album, all in Lao, took three months to record, and had a final budget of $4,000, which by American studio-a-day rates is absurdly low. The money was recouped by the record label, and Olsen’s songs were an immediate hit on Lao radio and in the karaoke bars.
Signature of an agreement on the draft Sky Train in Vientiane
(KPL) - The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the proposed construction of a Sky Train (elevated railway) in Vientiane, was held recently in the Lao capital, between Mr. Phetsamone Vilaphanh, Deputy Head of Department of Planning and Cooperation of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and Mr. Adrew Khor Poh Kiang, representing the group of Japanese companies Flagship Maglev (FSG) to the south-east Asia, in the presence of Mr. Sithong Thonkèo, vice-minister of Ministry, and Mr. Bounchanh Sinlavong, deputy mayor of Vientiane, reported the newspaper Lao on business...more info>>
According to the contract BOT (build, operation and transfer), FSG will invest 100% in the concession of this project. It provides a survey of construction instead of 6 to 12 months, a site of 4 years and the official entry into service the following year. According to estimates, 51 km of railways will be laid and 6 stations built between the Friendship Bridge Vientiane - Nong Khai and Nong Chanh market - Wattay International Airport - Thong Pong - the National University Dong Dok - The national stadium at Km18 and the National University and Dong Dok city center.
Regarding technology, FSG will use the latest machines called "Technology of the 21st century" that will allow cars to move automatically airlines through the magnetic field, as levitation. This technology is already being used in Nagoya, Japan. In addition, with this same technique, Japan and the Republic of Korea also signed a cooperation contract in the construction of the railway under the ocean with a length of over 500 kms between Japan and Busan of South Korea.
According FSG, the construction cost will amount to around 300 - 400 million U.S. dollars. Once this project successful, FSG wishes to make the ambitious concession, as always BOT, a Sky Train linking the countries of Asean among themselves and with Laos shook the center.
The most positive magnetic rail network is that its system complies with urban use because the wheel moving at 10 cm from the road and there is no friction, the train is perfectly silent, which is ideal sound environment issue.
Lao weight-lifter has become the country's newest sporting hero after winning Laos' first-ever medal at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing on Tuesday.
Mr Eay Simay, aged 27, won a bronze medal in the men's 48kg category weightlifting event with a lift of 157.5kg.
Mr Eay, who has being weightlifting since 1993, is the only Lao athlete competing at the games and is currently ranked 18th in the world.
His victory lifted Laos to 49th place on the medal tally...more info>>
Mr Eay told China Radio's international Lao language broadcast that he was very happy with the victory.
“I'm really enjoying today because it came as a very big surprise for me and also it is the first-ever medal for Laos at the Paralympics. Before the games I didn't think I would get a medal because there are so many talented athletes here,” he said.
“I have to express my thanks to my coach and the Lao National Sports Committee for helping me get to where I am today and also the people of Beijing for cheering me on.”
This is the fourth time Mr Eay has achieved highly in international competitions under his coach, Mr Oudome Vilaysack. He won silver medals at the Asean Para Games in 2003, 2005 and 2007.
The gold medal in the men's 48kg category of the weightlifting event was won by Ruel Ishaku of Nigeria , who lifted 169kg to break the world record previously held by China 's Wu Guoying. The silver medal went to Omar Qarada of Jordan , who lifted 162.5kg.
The Xinhua news agency website reported that England 's Anthony Peddle, a pre-event favourite, failed in all of his three attempts to lift 152kg.
In their first attempts, Choochat Sukjareen of Thailand lifted 150kg; Farman Basha from India lifted 155kg and Omar Qarada of Jordan and Mr Eay both lifted 157.5kg.
Omar Qarada's third attempt saw him lift 162.5kg, winning him the silver medal. Not content with the medal alone, he then tried to set a new world record by attempting to lift 169.5kg, but was unsuccessful.
Peddle's last attempt also saw a no-lift and Sukjareen went on to try and lift 160kg for a chance at second place but failed. Farman Basha's and Eay's second attempts at 160kg were also no-lifts, but Eay's clean 157.5kg lift secured him the bronze medal.
The Paralympics is the world's premier sporting event for people with disabilities.
More than 4,000 athletes from 147 countries are participating in the Paralympics, which run from September 6-17.
Events at the games are: archery, athletics, bocce, cycling, equestrian, football, goalball, judo, weightlifting, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, fencing, rugby and tennis.
Hard rock band, Cells, won four categories of the first Lao Music Awards, held at the National Culture Hall on Saturday.
The band took out the prizes for best album, most popular song and best rock song, and Cells' vocalist Athisak Rattanavong won best songwriter of the year.
Prizes were awarded in 14 categories. The most popular artist of the year was awarded to Ting Phailavanh, while Aluna Thavonsouk and Tone Aniluth won the best female and best male artist awards.
Other winners included Secret (best duo or group), Bidalak Si-akkhaphom, known as Touly, and Khannakhon Xayakham, known as Cream, (best new artist) and LOG song E-Yang Ka Dai (best hip hop or R&B Song)....more info>>
The best pop song was awarded to Khuam Houseuk Bok by Aluna Thavonsouk, best country song went to Khoy Nong Mayam by Bounleua Valideth and best folk song to Lam Siphandon by Viengphou Nounim.
Best song producer went to Soulinthon Khounsathon (known as Mee) and Manoxay Keonakhon (known as No).
The Lao Music Awards is the first event of its kind to recognise successful Lao songwriters, performers and producers.
The Ministry of Information and Culture's Fine Arts Department Acting Director General is Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong. He said he was proud to host the event and hoped it would promote the growth of art and culture in Laos , particularly the music scene.
“This will become an annual event and will help to raise the standard of the music industry in Laos to equal footing with the international entertainment scene,” he said.
Celebrations for the Lao Music Awards began at the National Culture Hall on Saturday morning and attracted more than 5000 people throughout the day and evening. Events during the day included games, activities and a music and dance competition.
The awards ceremony took place in the evening and artists walked a red carpet into the venue. It was broadcast live on Lao TV and featured performances by Tone Anilouth, Cells, Meduzia, LOG, Sam, Nalin, Aluna, Ting Phailavanh and B-Hero.
Organisers presented a special prize to Mr Sisana Sisane, to honour him for promoting Lao art and culture. Mr Sisana is a song writer and a past Minister of Information and Culture.
Winners in each category received a uniquely designed vintage record player incorporating the Lao national flower dok champa (frangipani), and gift sets from Tigo and Close Up toothpaste.
(KPL) The Lao government gives green light for local investors to build the night bazaar is located behind the National Stadium, at the centre of Vientiane Capital. According to a report from Lao Jewelry Association disclosed that the Night Bazaar Construction Project kicked off officially, after the government gave green light to local businesspeople. This night bazaar will become an important place to provide more opportunities for Vientiane residents and visitors are able to buy different things...more info>>
Mr Phouvong Phamisith, President of the Lao Jewelry Association said that we were very pleased that the state organisation trusted us to build the night bazaar construction project which was a joint venture among local businesspeople of the Lao Jewelry Business Group.
He said that the night bazaar construction started in May 2008 and it will be over in 2009 with a total worth of 25 billion kip which comprises 200 booths.
According to the plan, the night bazaar will open 24 hours for all people. The bazaar is to promote the socio-economic development plan and give more opportunities local businesspeople to operate business.
The majority goods will be available for sale including handicraft, souvenir, foods, silk textile, jewelry and agricultural products.
Photo:The movie theatre at Lao-ITECC was packed to capacity when people came to see Sabaidee Luang Prabang from June 5 to 7.
Audiences packed the theatre at Lao-ITECC on June 5 to 7 to watch the film Sabaidee Luang Prabang, a Lao-Thai co-production which premiered in Laos on May 23.
The film pans the major provinces of Laos , taking in Pakxe, Vientiane and the allure of the country's biggest drawcard, the World Heritage-listed town of Luang Prabang . It describes the growing love between the two main characters, and features comic episodes that introduce a lighter touch.
The film stars Bangkok-based Lao-Australian actor Ananda Everingham as Sorn, a first-time visitor to Laos , and Ms Khamly Pallawong as Noi, his tour guide from Vientiane.
The Lao co-director, Lao Art Media president Anousone Sirisackda, said the producers were pleased with the feedback they had received from audiences and critics...more
He said Ministry of Information and Culture officials who had attended the premier at the National Culture Hall had expressed their satisfaction with the film's content and message.
“We are pleased with our achievements; this could be the new face of the Lao film industry after more than 30 years without a full-length feature production,” Mr Anousone said.
“Even though the film depicted the most significant aspects of Lao culture and lifestyle, we were sorry that time and budget constraints prevented us from making a more in-depth portrayal of Laos .” “We're not expecting to earn much from the film,” Mr Anousone said. “The main benefit of the production is the publicity that Laos will get. We'll definitely make another film, but we have to consider many factors. The good feedback we've received is a strong inspiration to do more.”
The production team is planning to screen the film to audiences in Luang Prabang, Champassak and other major provinces.
Another large crowd is expected when the film is shown at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane on June14.
Popular Malaysian singer-songwriter and actor Michael Wong will arrive in Vientiane next week, according to the World Vision Office to Laos yesterday.
Mr Wong will visit Laos from June 10-14 as World Vision Malaysia 's goodwill ambassador. He will visit development projects in Khammuan and Savannakhet provinces.
During his time in Laos Mr Wong will trek through poor rural villages to meet children and families living in poverty, and learn how he can respond to the needs of the communities they live in. He will also visit exciting projects to understand how community development works in Laos and how these projects improve the lives of poor people...more info>>
After his visit, Mr Wong will return to Malaysia to raise awareness and promote the fight against poverty in Laos and in other parts of the world.
He will be promoting a special campaign called the “30 Hour Famine” through which young people learn about poverty and are given opportunities to raise money and awareness to eradicate poverty and hunger around the world.
The hope is that through Michael Wong's personal experience and example, the youth of Malaysia will become more active in their support for those living in poverty, especially children.
Michael Wong has recorded over 8 albums and has 10 movie and drama appearances to his credit. He is in the Malaysia Book of Records as the Malaysian Chinese male composer with the highest number of awards and also for his best selling album entitled Tong Hua. He has earned 44 awards for his music.
Gaining more and more recognition globally, Mr Wong was recently appointed as Tourism Malaysia 's ambassador. His participation in the A Music records label in Hong Kong has also gained him more recognition in Asia .
World Vision is an international NGO working in 31 districts of 6 provinces in Laos to create lasting change for children, families, and communities living in poverty. Through child sponsorship funding, World Vision works in many sectors, such as mother and child health, food security, and education.
Korea 's famous Break-Boys, or B-Boys, will take to the stage in Vientiane for two performances in June.
Two break-dancing teams and a beatbox expert will perform “Flying Higher”, at the National Culture Hall on June 4 and 5 from 7.30pm.
The performances will feature 22 dancers from Korea 's Gambler Crew and Animation Crew, in addition to the music of Beatbox Eunjun, who is credited with establishing the beatbox genre in Korea.
Highlights will include power moves, acrobatic dances, beatboxing and hip-hop music. “Flying Higher” aims to show the audience how freedom can be expressed through creative dance movement...more info>>
A B-Boy or B-Girl is a person devoted to hip-hop culture, specifically the break dance element. The term originated with the first hip-hop DJ, Kool DJ Herc, who, on noticing the reaction of some dancers to drum breaks, named them Break-Boys or B-Boys.
The performances are sponsored and organised by the Korea Foundation, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Laos , and the Lao Ministry of Information and Culture.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea yesterday announced the performances, which will be free.
Lao pop star Nalin Daravong, who sings Vao Ba Ba (Why Do You Say That?), will feature at the first Asia Pop Concert in Japan on May 25.
Nalin's performance in Japan has been made possible by the concert's organisers, who have invited one artist from each of seven Asian countries: Laos , Thailand , Myanmar , Japan , Republic of Korea , Cambodia and Vietnam .
Each year, the concert will be hosted by one of the countries on the list and next year it will be the turn of Thailand . Only the hottest pop star from each country will be invited to appear on stage.
Ms Nalin said she was very proud and excited to have been chosen to perform at this event...more info>>
“The concert's organisers chose me because when they came to research the music market in Laos in February, my song Vao Ba Ba was top of the charts and was often being played on radio and television,” she said.
“I'm going to perform three Lao songs, Vao Ba Ba , Lom Pak Pao (Lip Service) and Hak Kheu... (Love is…), and one Japanese song,” she said.
The event consist of two performances – the first in Yokohama and the second in Kibuya.
In February Nalin gave an interview to an entertainment programme on Tokyo TV channel NHK, about both her work and entertainment in Laos in general.
The programme, which is unrelated to the Asia Pop Concert, interviews artists in Asian countries on entertainment issues and focuses on the popular artists in each country, and will broadcast live.
Director of Indee Records Anouluck Pathammavong said “During Nalin's visit to Japan we plan for her to make some music videos in cooperation with a video production team here. They are my partners and distribute Lao songs in Japan .”
Nalin's breakthrough came in 2006, when she won the Close Up Music Award; her winnings included a contract with Indee Records.
She first appeared as a backing vocalist on the song Khon Meu Song (Second-Hand Person) by local hard-rock favourites, The Cells.
Indee was impressed enough with her work to hold on to her the following year. This led to her debut album being produced by a line-up including Alouna, Tou, Silvia and Cells' vocalist Sak.
A total of 14 awards will be presented at the first ever Lao Music Awards to be held on July 26 in Vientiane
Last Friday, a press conference was organised by Sengdara Communications at the Lao Plaza Hotel to announce the categories in which awards will be presented. The event was attended by the Acting Director General of the Fine Arts Department, Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong, and Vice President of the Lao Journalists' Association, Mr Somsanouk Mixay.
The press conference featured performances of the event's theme song performed in both pop and country music style and closed with a lucky draw for two air tickets to Malaysia .
The awards ceremony will promote the local music industry and acknowledge the wealth of quality Lao performers and their work...more info>>
“This will be the first ever event in Laos to recognise successful songs and artists, as well as those working behind the scenes especially song composers and producers,” said Sengdara Communications Director Viroun Sengdara.
“The awards ceremony will become an annual event and will help to raise the standard of the music industry in Laos to equal that of neighbouring countries,” Mr Viroun said.
“The establishment of the Lao Music Awards is in accordance with the government's policy to promote art and culture.”
Awards will be presented in 14 categories, including prizes for the best album, song, group, new artist, male and female artist, most popular artist and country or folk artist of the year.
Trophies will also be given for the best traditional Lao, pop, rock and hip-hop artists of the year. The best producer and composer of the year will also be honoured.
Winners in each category will receive a uniquely designed vintage record player or gramophone incorporating the dok champa (frangipani), the Lao national flower.
“Applications for the awards are open to all Lao artists. Entries will be accepted until May 15. A judging panel and the general public will then spend 10 days selecting the winners,” said Head of Office of Sengdara Communications, Mr Somsack Khandavong.
“A judging panel together with public votes will select four finalists in each category to appear at the awards ceremony, as well as selecting the winners on the night.
Members of the public can vote by sending an SMS through the Tigo network and by completing competition details on specially marked products offered by event sponsors,” Mr Somsack said.
The 2008 Lao Music Awards will be held at the National Culture Hall and will be broadcast live on Lao TV channels. People can obtain tickets to the event by purchasing specially marked products offered by event sponsors and following instructions on the packaging to receive tickets.
'Sabaidee'…First of all, I would like to ask all Thais out there for their love and support. My name is Lang-Sitthiprasert Kaewjaras. I am a 20-year-old from Laos, currently in my final year at the National University of Laos's Faculty of Economics. I am the only child in my family.
My dad is 66 years of age and his name is Dang Kaewjaras. He used to work at the Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs before he resigned to work for Laos Airline. He has since retired. My mum, Sawatsri Kaewprasert, is now 59 years old and runs her own beauty salon. She hardly has any rest because she has so many customers!).
I never thought I would enter the entertainment business even though I had the opportunity several times in the past. I had a pretty straightforward childhood. My mum tells me I wasn't any trouble when she took me to the temple on Buddhist holy days. A lot of people came and talked to me when my mum took me out as I looked different, as if I were half-foreign...more news and photos>>
I think I am tall because I liked drinking milk. My mum says I hardly drank water, only milk and milk. She says that I drank several liters of milk a day. I was lucky to enjoy drinking milk, otherwise I would have been much shorter than this!
I never thought I would enter the entertainment business even though I had the opportunity several times in the past. I had a pretty straightforward childhood. My mum tells me I wasn't any trouble when she took me to the temple on Buddhist holy days. A lot of people came and talked to me when my mum took me out as I looked different, as if I were half-foreign.
I think I am tall because I liked drinking milk. My mum says I hardly drank water, only milk and milk. She says that I drank several liters of milk a day. I was lucky to enjoy drinking milk, otherwise I would have been much shorter than this!
Versatile Lao artist, Aluna, who is good at music composing, singing, and playing many music instruments, debuted her first album in 2005, is now coming back with her latest album entitled "Aluna part II". In the album included not only Lao songs, but also english songs, that condensed with many tunes and energy. The album is planed to release in May, this year.
After releasing the first single of her song "Kuam Hou Seuk Bork" to many Lao TV channels and radios, she got a very good welcome from her fans and her song climbed up to the top 10 popular Lao music charts even before her full album released...more info>>
The style of the music in this album is similar to the first album that is pop and R&B. However, the sound mixing and the CD recording is far better than the previous ones. Sam, the singer in the same company, is the producer and supervisor for Aluna in this album.
Aluna revealed that there are many differences between the first and the second album. In the first album, most of the songs are composed based on other people's idea, plus a small part of her own experiences. But in the second album, all of the songs are inspired by her own idea and experiences she got from her life. She spent more than 2 years to complete this album and she will manage the marketing of this album by herself.
The song "Kuam Hou Seuk Bork" in this album will have 2 versions. The first version is very relaxing while the second will have more power on it.
Finally, Aluna encourages all of us to support her new album by buying only the original CD in order to support her and other artists to produce more quality products for Lao society.
Many of us here may have already watched Alexandra Bounxouei on Thai TV drama called: "Pheng Huk Rim Fang Khong" and the ongoing drama "Layrai Rouk Sao Pa" on Channel 7 Thailand. From the roles of Alexandra on these two drama, many Lao TV viewers show their like and dislike toward the role of Alexandra in the TV and criticized her that she made many mistakes in mixing Lao with thai words. The ecom newspaper interviewed some Lao students in Vientiane in the sense that they want Alexandra to improve herself in the next drama...more info>>
"I watched Alexandra in both Thai TV drama. Her performance is comparable to many professonal thai actresses. In other words, she made many mistakes, especially she mixed many Thai to Lao words, thus made her lack of identity. I would not criticised Alexandra much caused she might act following the scripts and to what the director of the drama told her" said Miss Oun, who is now studying at ITCT.
Miss Soumaly, 2nd year student from Rattana colleage, said : " I know that Alexandra is very good at singing and if you ask me about her role in thai TV drama, I would say that she performed pretty good in both drama, but I really don't like the way she speak Lao mix with Thai words. That may drive many laotian TV viewers not very pleased. I don't think we can criticised much about her, she got money from the Thai side and she has to follow what they told her to do.
"I think it is a great honor for Alexandra to be able to perform in Thai TV drama and this will make thai people understand Lao much better. I believe that nowaday the most criticised about Alexandra is about her language usages. It would be nice if she could improve this points" said Mr. Kittisak, 2nd year student from ITCT.
Miss Vankham, the staff from NTP company shared with us her opinion that "I don't like at all the way she speaks lao mixed with many Thai words. You can see clearly on Raylai Louk Sao Pa drama. Many thai people watch TV drama from this channel and they may disappointed to see Alexandra speak Lao incorrectly. I do not mean to make her down, but I just really want to see her improving her langauges.
In conclusions, many Lao TV viewers strongly criticised about her langauge usage and want her to improve more on this point.
The Lao Brewery Company (LBC) yesterday introduced their latest product, a new variety of beer named Lanexang, to provide beer drinkers with a wider selection.
“We have been making preparations and conducting market analysis for the release of this product since 2005, so today we're very pleased to announce another new product is ready for release,” LBC Senior Deputy Managing Director, Mr Sounthone Phommachack, said at a press conference to announce the product yesterday...more info>>
“The logo of our new beer pictures the head of an elephant. We're not concerned consumers won't recognise it as a Beerlao product just because it doesn't show our traditional tiger head logo. In fact we have plans to introduce other new products with logos featuring various national symbols,” Mr Sounthone said.
“We have ideas about introducing other products with names such as Mekong beer and That Luang beer, because these are very popular names in Laos .”
“We called the new beer Lanexang because historically Laos is referred to as ‘the land of a million elephants'. Our new product marks the company's achievement in operating for 35 years and also celebrates International Labour Day, which occurs on Thursday,” Mr Sounthone said.
The company also held a ceremony recently to mark the first sales of beer produced at its second factory, located in Nongveng village, Pathoumphon district, Champassak province. The first factory is situated at Km 12 on Thadeua Road in Hadxaifong district, Vientiane .
The company's two breweries are currently able to produce 200 million litres of beer annually.
Beerlao accounts for 99 percent of domestic beer sales and is exported to 12 countries.
The company contributes large amounts to the national budget, last year earning 500 billion kip for the government.
Valentine Music promoted one of their top singers at a Lao Telecom mini-concert and press conference at Taladxao Shopping Mall last Sunday.
After a year out of the spotlight, pop star Ting Phailavanh returned to the stage last Sunday to perform her popular songs at the mini-concert and give a press conference.
“I hope every one can remember me, I'm very sorry I haven't had time to make any public appearances,” she told the press...more info>>
Ting said she really missed Lao music whilst absent from the scene but had spent her time studying and improving the quality of her songs and music video performances. The pop star, known for her talent and melodic voice, extended her contract with Valentine Music early last year for another three years. She has just released her second album with the label.
“My second album will show that I'm an adult much more than the first one I did,” said Ting.
She said her voice was a little different from when she was younger – she's now 20 – but she took good care of her voice and trained every morning and evening.
Popular music took a different turn in Laos in the 1990s when rock band Zapphire appeared on the scene. They were followed by Smile Black Dog, who released their first album in 1998. But rock music was still unpopular among local teenagers at the time.
The 2000s have seen many local record companies become established in Vientiane after the government provided greater opportunities for new local artists to produce modern music. Ting Phailavanh is one of the artists to have benefited from the resulting boom amongst local and foreign fans.
Her first album was in the pop-dance style, but her new release is a mixture of pop, Latin and R&B. Ting has always loved music, and started writing her own songs when she was 12 or 13. In 2003, aged 17, she released her debut album ‘Ting Virus'.
“Sometimes I can write two songs in a day if I have enough time,” Ting said.
President of Valentine Music, Mr Phoutthachanh Paphadsalang, said “Ting is one of many singers whose albums we produce. She performs very well on stage, and can also write songs, dance and play musical instruments.”
In 2006, her contract with Valentine Music expired. A rumour surfaced that she had signed up with Indee Records in order to gain experience with another recording studio, and she performed a song at a mini-concert with the label. The rumour turned out to be false – the performance was just to congratulate a friend on a new album.
“The second album will definitely be of better quality. I wrote most of the songs, and the lyrics have a lot of meaning for today's teenagers,” Ting said.
Ting has gained a lot of fans since her first album was released, and since 2003 she has been invited to perform at festivals not only in Laos , but also Vietnam , Thailand and Japan
A local company plans to invest about US$2 million to build a race track aimed at promoting automotive sports in Laos.
Souksomlouay Auto Service Company Director Somlouay Padabvong announced the plan during a press conference in Vientiane on Monday.
“We will invest about 17.4 billion kip (US$2 million) in the track, which will be located on 11 hectares in Xaythany district in Vientiane ,” he said.
Mr Somlouay said the track would be designed for racing all kinds of vehicles including motorcycles and cars...more info>>
He said it was not yet decided whether the race track would be an individual investment or if it would be open to shareholders or other businesses partners.
At this stage the company has not asked for government permission to develop the land, but this request will be made later this year.
Mr Somlouay said construction of the race track would be completed within 12 months of securing the land agr eement.
Vientiane Administration's Deputy Head of Office, Somphone Sengsilavong, said Laos should have a race track because similar tracks in neighbouring countries were very popular.
“So we should learn from their experiences,” Mr Somphone added.
He said the race track would be good for young people, as they like driving fast and could race on a custom-built circuit without fear of violating traffic regulations.
Mr Somlouay made the announcement during Vientiane Drift 2008, an event being held at Lao ITECC this week to promote car racing.
The Vientiane Drift runs until April 13 and will feature a concert and beauty contest.
Well known Korean pop idols Paran melted spectators' hearts on Saturday at celebrations in Vientiane to mark the first anniversary of Tigo, a mobile phone operator.
The exciting concert took place at the Lao-ITECC in front of a crowd of more than 7,000 fervent spectators, with free games, activities and give-aways.
The concert kicked off with some of Vientiane 's top acts, such as Idols, Punky Dolls, LOG, Overdance, Moderndance, A Pact, Nalin, Aluna and Sam, and hard rock groups Uluvus and The Cells before the appearance of Korea 's grooviest band.
The audience raised their voices like a siren and the ground before the stage shook when Paran appeared for their provocative song and dance act, and greeted the audience with a burst of Lao...more info>>
The band played hit songs from their first two albums, such as Five Steps, First Love and others before the concert had to be stopped because of strong winds on stage.
Tigo staff gathered on stage to blow out candles on their birthday cake in between acts.
The name Paran (which means blue in Korean) is an acronym comprised of the members' stage names. The band has five singers: Joo Jong Hyuk also known as Ryan, Yang Seung Ho or Neo, Lee Soo In or P.O., Choi Sung Wook or Ace, and Kim Jae Sub or A.J., who also raps for the group. They are all aged between 15 and 23.
“We are so happy and exited, because this is our first time in Laos , and it is great to perform in concert to commemorate Tigo's first anniversary,” said Ryan at a media conference at Green Park Hotel on Friday.
The band's first album was entitled I Hold My Breath , and came out in September 2005. Their follow up release was called Beyond the Blue Sky , in September 2006.
“Since I've been here one night, I only have two impressions: one is that the weather here is better than in the Republic of Korea now, where it is still cold, but here it's neither very hot nor cold, which is more comfortable,” said Ace.
“Besides that, Laos still preserves a lot of its nature. I saw green mountains as our flight came across from Vietnam , and now I can also say that here it is peaceful and there is very little traffic.”
“Another thing is the warm welcome we're received from people here, especially the smiles of the Lao women which make me want to stay longer,” Ace said.
Before the band arrived in Laos they toured countries such as Thailand , Taiwan , Singapore , Vietnam and Indonesia .
This is the second time the Millicom Lao Company has brought a Korean band to Laos . In December they presented one of Korea 's most famous girl bands, Baby Vox Re.V, to perform in concert to welcome in the International New Year.
By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA Vientianetimes http://samakomlao.blogspot.com
Officials from Laos and Japan will conduct a feasibility study of direct flights between Nagoya Airport in Japan and Wattay International Airport in Vientiane.
The Director General of the Civil Aviation Department, Mr Yakua Lopangkao, told Vientiane Times yesterday that Lao officials will first collect basic information regarding potential passenger demand.
“We expect to collect the information within the next two months and then we will send it to Japan,” he said. “We will meet with Japanese officials a month later.”
Mr Yakua observed that more people are flying from America and Japan to Indochina, especially to Laos...more info>>
Mr Yakua said that last year Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh visited Japan and met with his Japanese counterpart to discuss various areas of cooperation. One of the issues discussed was the possibility of a direct flight from Nagoya to Vientiane.
Laos has direct flights to several countries, including Thailand, China, Cambodia and Vietnam. Air Asia started direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , late last year.
A flight between Laos and Singapore is also under consideration, Mr Yakua said.
“Last month, we had meetings with representatives from airlines in Singapore who told us they needed a more detailed survey before any developments could take place,” he added.
A direct flight to Myanmar is also under discussion, as officials believe such a move could boost tourism in the region.
“Our government has an open policy concerning flight connections with any foreign country to encourage tourism in Laos ,” Mr Yakua said.
Earlier last year, the Lao government granted visa exemptions to Japanese tourists to strengthen relations between the two countries.
This has led to an increasing number of Japanese visitors to Laos.
According to the Lao National Tourism Administration, in 2005 around 23,000 Japanese visited Laos and in 2006 this figure increased by just two percent.
But in 2007 the figure jumped by 34 percent as a result of the visa exemption.
Tourism officials confirmed that the number of Japanese tourists was increasing, contributing to economic growth.
Paran, a five-member male vocal group which debuted in 2005, has made inroads all across Asia, including China, Indonesia, Laos, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.
Members of Paran held a showcase concert at the amphitheater of Lao ITECC, an exhibition center in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on April 5. It was the first concert by a male foreign group to attract 10,000 audience members. The event will be televised on Lao Star TV, the public broadcaster of Laos.
Laotian fans, who frequently enjoy Thai TV shows, raved over Paran's performance, although they did not understand the Korean lyrics...more info>>
Fans frantically took photos of the group, waved photographs of the members in the air, screamed and blew kisses to the stage.
Paran returned to Korea and April 7. Soon after their arrival, members of the group wrapped up recording their third studio album, which is slated for release on April 11. The album will be released simultaneously in six Asian countries.
The members recently said they plan to sweep their Korean fans off their feet with their new album.
According to the Lao development newspaper, the Lao archeologists discovered a 2000-year old drum on Januaray, 30th 2008 in Savannakhet province, central Laos. This drum is the 4th drum that has been unearthed in Savannakhet province and the 7th drum that has been found in Laos. This drum is believed to be used in the sacred events of people in the old times such as to ask for rain and to motivate soldiers in the fighting field. This drum is 79 cm in height and 1 meter in width. It took 2 days to fish digging up this drum from the earth.
Arenowned pop group from the Republic of Korea, Paran, will perform for Lao fans on April 5 at the National Football Stadium in Vientiane to celebrate the first anniversary of Tigo, the brand name of the Millicom Lao Company.
The company was established in 2002 as a joint venture between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Millicom International Cellular S.A. It launched a mobile prepaid service on April in 2003.
The five member group, consisting of Cho Jong Hyuk (lead vocalist), Yang Seung Ho, Choi Sung Wook, Lee Soo In and Kim Jae Seob, will entertain the audience with songs from their latest album and Korean style dance moves...more info and photos>>
“We want to give our customers a special present to help us celebrate the first anniversary of our company; Paran is popular in the Republic of Korea and also in Laos ,” said Tigo's Assistant Marketing Manager, Mr Phouniphon Phanthavong
He said the concert will allow customers to meet and greet their favourite singers.
“People who want to attend the concert can purchase tickets through our phone service,” Mr Phouniphon said.
The concert will also feature local artists, including popular rock band The Cells, rappers L.O.G., pop groups Overdance and Modern Dance, and punk–rock bands Punky Doll, Aluna, Sam, Nalin, Jeiy. Newly formed rock group Uluvus will support the international headline act.
The name Paran is an acronym comprising the band members stage names, and means ‘big bang'. The group of five boys, aged between 15 and 23, trained in singing and dancing for two years before recording and releasing their debut album in 2005.
The song First Love , written by Von Tea Yong, was a hit on radio and TV in Korea .
In 2006, the group released their second album, under the guidance of Gary Hass, who has produced an album for the band Usher. Korean artists Kim Tea Woo, G.O.D. and PJ also featured on Paran's album.
All of the band members can speak English and Japanese fluently, so they are promoting themselves to overseas markets. Their latest album is popular in several Asian countries.
The total foreign investment in Laos has reached 6 billion USD, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Laos reported.
Top 10 list of foreign investors in Laos is as follows: 1. Thailand, (1.355 billion USD in 169 projects) 2. China, (1.138 billion USD in 237 projects) 3. Viet Nam (535.7 million USD in 120 projects) 4. France (428.2 million USD in 58 projects) 5. Japan (420.3 million USD in 33 projects) 6. India (350.2 million USD in 3 projects) 7. Australia (330.8 million USD in 27 projects) 8. South Korea (294.4 million USD in 105 projects) 9. Malaysia (135.2 million USD in 33 projects) 10. Singapore (101.1 million USD in 22 projects)
Other countries that showed high foreign investment in Laos include Canada (ranking 11), Swizerland (ranking 12), England (ranking 13), Russia (ranking 14), Norway (ranking 15), Taiwan (ranking 16), United State (ranking 17), Germany (ranking 18), Poland (ranking 19), Italy (ranking 20)
Lao agencies attributed increases in foreign investment to the country’s open policy and political stability.
According to the Department of Foreign Investment Promotion and Management under the above ministry, investors from 37 countries and territories have invested in 1,031 projects in Laos.
The Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union will soon invite applications for the 35 th Ship for South East Asian Youth Programme from students and government and NGO officials, according to a top official.
The programme aims to give young people with knowledge and talent the chance to demonstrate their traditions and culture to their Asean peers on the Asian stage.
The union's General Secretary, Mr Khamphanh Sitthidampha, made the announcement on Thursday at a meeting to evaluate the 34 th programme. He said the Youth Union and its provincial branches would advertise through the media and posters...more >>
The major objective of this programme is to promote friendship and understanding among youths from the Asean countries and Japan , he said.
Mr Khamphanh said the annual event was sponsored by the Japanese government and supported by Asean countries. Candidates should possess a track record of active youth, community or public service and be outstanding youths capable of assuming an ambassadorial role for Laos . They should be between 18 and 30 years old.
“All participants are required to undergo a two-month orientation programme, which includes weekend and two weekday evening training sessions each week. The orientation programme is tentatively scheduled from the middle of July to mid-September,” he said.
Mr Khamphanh said Laos had sent 29 youths to participate in last year's programme, which took place from October 22 to December 12.
He said participants had visited Japan , Singapore , Indonesia , Malaysia , Thailand , Laos and Vietnam to share their cultures and promote friendship.
“Participants are encouraged to raise funds of around 5 million kip or approach their nominating organisations to subsidise their contributions to the contingent fund,” he added.
A student from the Lao-American College , Ms Siriphone Thongbonh, who was one of 29 young people participating in the programme last year, told Vientiane Times that she and her friends ran various activities such as discussion groups on the environment, information, international relations, education, volunteer activities and youth development.
These involved representatives from six other countries during the 52-day programme.
“We learned how to live together, work as a group and how to help each other. This was one of the best experiences I've ever had,” she said.
Ms Siriphone advised anyone considering taking part in the programme to prepare themselves well before applying.
Another participant, Ms Phaipany Choummaly, said she had learned a great deal from the experience. One of the aspects she enjoyed the most was the chance to teach others about Lao culture and traditions.
“This programme enables young people from Laos to play a greater role on the Asian stage,” she said.
Laos became a member of the Ship for South East Asian Youth Programme in 1997 and first sent participants a year later. Since then some 300 young people have benefited from the programme.
Photo: Ms Sammi Cheung (left) and Ms Gigi Leung have fun with children in Pakxeng district.
Hong Kong singing stars Ms GiGi Leung and Ms Sammi Cheung visited Pakxeng district in Luang Prabang province as Child Sponsorship Ambassadors for World Vision last week.
The purpose of their visit was to meet sponsored children and learn more about poverty stricken communities so that World Vision can improve its services.
Upon their return to Hong Kong, Ms Leung and Ms Cheung said they will share their experiences and raise awareness amongst their fans and the people of Hong Kong to help those less fortunate around the world...more info>>
They hope to take home the message that there are many people still suffering from hunger and who have little opportunity to study or lift themselves out of poverty.
Ms Leung said there were three main things she wanted to share. “The first is to cherish all life, second is to be thankful for what you have, and third is to give generously.”
They said that they were deeply touched by the generosity and hospitality of the people in Laos , especially in the rural areas.
They added that people received them with smiles and treated them warmly, especially during baci ceremonies. “Lao people are very friendly, helpful and very honest,” said Ms Leung.
Ms Leung and Ms Cheung each shared one of their many memorable moments from their visit to Pakxeng district.
“My special moment was when I met my sponsored child, Yong. We went with him to fetch some water from down the hill. He was holding my hand, I think because he had presumed that we didn't know the place very well.”
“He is a really good boy and hardworking too; I was so glad to spend some time with him and his family,” Ms Leung added.
Ms Cheung said that her special moment was having lunch with her 10 sponsored children.
“I realised that education is really important as it can give children the confidence to face the future. I would like to continue to help people and have good relationships with my sponsored children in the rural communities,” she said.
This was Ms Cheung's first visit to a developing country and her time in Laos had a great impact on her.
She knew that this opportunity had taught her many lessons and transformed her life. She said she would give a helping hand to more people in the years to come.
The two women also visited some of the projects sponsored by World Vision and learnt about its combined work with the government of Laos in poverty alleviation projects for the diverse population of the country.
World Vision is an international NGO working in 31 districts across 6 provinces, whose goal is to uplift the living standards of the poorest people in society.
World Vision is implementing a number of projects in areas such as mother and child health, water and sanitation, education, food and child sponsorship that focus mainly on the well being of children.
By Ms Vanhlee Lattana, Communication Associate, World Vision Lao PDR
Eric B, whose song Jop Jop Kan Pai (The End of Love) is now popular on the radio waves in Vientiane, has set back the launch of their self-titled album from March to April.
Managing Director of Modern Music Company, Mr Oudalai Nusyhalad, said that the change of plans was because the album is not completed yet and half of the group, Mr Eric, or Air, is in the US and unable to return for a concert.
“Eric B is the newest hip hop act from our company. There are two lyricists - Mr Eric and Ms Phouvilai Seng-akhom, also known as Noy. The forthcoming album also features a performance from rapper Lair who is in the band Laoster,” Mr Oudalai said...more >>
“The two main reasons for the delay in the album and concert are that we want to launch the audio CD and VCD at the same time, and we have had some problems during our work, which has wasted time. Another problem is that Eric, and also Lair, are unavailable due to work commitments and they asked to move the launch back so they can be here,” he said.
“We are still working hard on the album, with only about 5-10 percent to go. So now we can plan for a special event with a launch concert in April to coincide with the Pi Mai Lao celebrations,” he said.
The album features 12 songs, all of them recorded and produced in Vientiane . Many of the songs reflect the social lives of young people and mix both Lao and English lyrics.
The rappers have already released two singles, You My Girl and Jop Jop Kan Pai, both currently hitting the airwaves in Vientiane.
Eric B and the company started work on the album in 2006 with extensive song production from Sam and Mee, who helped in the writing and creating of the album and videos.
(KPL) Chinese experts have discovered a strain of Lao native tea was estimated at least 600-year-old in Oudomsay province.
A recent survey, conducted by a group of Chinese experts has discovered a strain of native tea which the Chinese experts are conducting a research on original background.
This is a strain of native tea that was dispersedly grown 600 years ago in Laos especially in Oudomsay province...more
According to local news source disclosed that the discovery of native tea is identified in five districts of Oudomsay province namely: Say, Houn, Nga, Baeng and Pakbaeng.
These native tea bushes were discovered dispersedly in different natural places covering about 1,000 ha.
Chinese exports said that one of native tea bushes were discovered in the nature that it is nearly the graveyard was identified that this graveyard might have 1,000 years ago therefore one of discovered native tea bushes might has as age as graveyard.
They disclosed that these native tea bushes would be high quality and excellent taste, in additional there can also be used to cure the people’s some diseases in particularly blood pressure and others.
Now there are three Chinese companies of Sheunzerming, Shanmou and Dansavane have made decision to make the contracts of purchase from local authorities.
Sithpraseuth Keojarat or "Lang" is a new artist from Laos and is now preparing his full album in Thailand under the new music industry called: "Sea-Art" or Southeast Asia-Art Ltd.
Lang is a forth year student from the National University of Laos. He is very new and doesn't have any works related to the music and entertainment. His first appearance was the time when he won the title of the "Noum Dee Sao Den" contest organized by the National University of Laos... more >>
Lang had a chance to meet the president of Sea-Art, Mr. Ritthirong Kotaphan in Vientiane. For the first time they met, the president saw many talents hidden behind Lang and He finally invited Lang to join his company and to have trained in Bangkok for the quality of his album.
Sea-Art company Ltd is a new music company, doing a business mainly in Indochina by importing artists from the neighboring countries in order to do a music marketing and to conduct both the television program and international business in Thailand.
With more than 10-year experience, the Sea Art company has maintained a good relationship and sincerity from the neighboring countries. The president of Sea Art always wants to support and promote the youth from these countries who have a lot of abilities, but lack of oppotunities. The album "Lang motion I" is the first high grade piece of work from this company.
This photo, published on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, shows Hong Kong singer and actress Gigi Leung (L) and Sammi Cheung at a Hong Kong airport, waiting to set off on their charity journey to Laos.
BEIJING, Feb. 20 -- Hong Kong singer and actress Gigi Leung and Sammi Cheung embarked on a charity trip to Laos on Tuesday, on a mission to draw attention to the nation's malnourished children through a 30-hour outdoor experience.
The Hong Kong-based publication Tungstar reports that the pair will live a primitive life during the campaign, camping in the fields and eating wild game for food...more info>>
"I have brought everything that may help me, including a pillow and a nightgown," Leung said nervously of the potential survival challenges.
Photo: Gigi Leung
As part of the 30-Hour Famine campaign launched by the international organization World Vision aimed at fighting hunger, the trip is expected to draw more celebrities eager to use their star power to enact change.
Photo: Sammi Cheung
Leung and Cheung are two of the project's three ambassadors in Hong Kong.
New Lao singer from the world heritage town of Luang Prabang, Touly, officially released her full album in Vientiane entitled "Just say hi" under the Valentine Music record last February 7th. Before this album, Touly used to have her first album in Luang Prabang at Santipab school, the place where she graduated from.
You may have heard about Touly before from her popular song "Jep bor Jum", which has been broadcasted in many Lao radio and TV programs. At present, her song is in the top 5 chart at Music Boom, Lao star TV channel. This song is composed by herself and is inspired by her friends and all people around her. There are totally 10 songs in this album, in which, she composed all the songs and mixed the sound by herself...more
It spends about a year and a half to complete this album and music videos. The location of her music videos are 50% spotted in Luang prabang and 50% in Vientiane. Before Touly entered the music industry, she met Mr. Kai, the partner of Valentine music company and later, become the singer of this company.
She revealed that there are some difficulties for her to be a singer. She is now working as a tourist guide in Luang prabang province and she has to travel to Vientiane and other provinces for her concert. Nevertheless, to become a singer is her utmost dream and she is now very proud to see this album gaining more and more popularity in Laos.
Last but not least, she wants to invite everyone to listen to her song and not to buy a pirate CD. She will try her best to improve herself and to produce more quality products to the society.
Several thousand local and overseas visitors travelled on long and winding roads from various parts of Laos to Paklai district in Xayaboury province over the weekend, to view the impressive sight of dozens of assembled pachyderms.
Xayaboury provincial authorities organised the festival in conjunction with the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) and French organisation ElefantAsia in the home of most of the country's domestic elephants, with a programme of activities taking place from February 15 to 17...more info and photos>>
This was the second such festival, and built on the success of the first, staged last year in Hongsa district in the same province.
On Friday morning, the main streets of the small mountainous district were jammed and police had to stop vehicles entering the town, where the official ceremonies were taking place. About 10,000 people turned up to take part in the festival.
The opening ceremony was held in the district's Sports Stadium, where several processions gathered, including schoolchildren waving national flags and flags symbolising the LNTA and the festival.
There was also a procession of 59 elephants, a parade of young women dressed in ethnic costume, rocket-launching, and boat racing. Several people appeared in the guise of Pheekhol , a familiar ghost.
Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, Governor of Xayaboury province Dr Lien Thikeo, LNTA President Somphong Mongkhonvilay and a number of ministers and high ranking officials attended the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Lien said the festival was part of efforts to incorporate elephants into the tourist industry, generating income for elephant owners and helping them to continue raising the giant animals.
He also said the festival served to create awareness among the younger generation about the virtues of these enormous beasts.
Dr Lien said Laos had a long connection with elephants and that Laos had once been named “The Land of a Million Elephants”, reflecting the fact that Laos had been home to large numbers of the animal; now, however, the population was in decline.
He said Xayaboury province had only 488 domestic elephants and few of them regularly produced young as they spent all their time working and had little opportunity for reproduction. The authorities were trying to reduce the workload of these elephants in hopes that their numbers would increase.
Mr Somphong said the LNTA would continue to cooperate with ElefantAsia and the Xayaboury authorities to organise another festival next year as part of efforts to promote tourism in the northern provinces of Laos .
He said these provinces had considerable tourism potential due to the area's untamed nature, cultural diversity and long history. He pointed out that Paklai district was a transit point on the road to the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang for tourists coming from Vientiane and Thailand .
After listening to the opening address, visitors stood and admired the slow procession of elephants, some of which were painted and decorated with the Lao flag.
The elephants performed for the visitors, charming onlookers with their size and grace, perhaps already in the initial stages of training for a greater role in tourism.
Dr Lien led leaders and visiting guests in a tour of the 87 exhibition booths, displaying both local and overseas products and services.
Tourists were offered the chance to ride the elephants and were also able to see them hauling logs and bathing in the river. At night, fireworks exploded skywards in celebration of the festival.
Visitors also enjoyed performances of traditional music and dance and circus acts from Vientiane .
A new entertainment programme from Japanese television channel Nihon Shinbun Kyokai (NSK) has selected a Lao pop singer to be promoted worldwide, Indee Records announced yesterday.
“The programme is the newest from NSK, and has not yet been broadcast,” an official from the Media Department of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Phaiboun Philathong, said yesterday.
He added that the show would promote various singers throughout Asia; Laos is the first country to be presented as a growing number of Japanese fans are interested in Lao music and the country...more info>>
The programme selected Nalin Daravong from Indee Records, and will film footage of her lifestyle and performances.
“They recorded me doing everyday things like studying and helping my parents, as well as singing on stage,” Nalin said.
Mr Phaiboun said the programme would be broadcast worldwide, and would therefore be a good opportunity to promote modern Lao music.
“This is a great chance for our singers and bands to be exposed to a wider audience,” said Indee Records President, Anoulack Pathammavong.
After three days of recording Nalin's life in Laos , the TV crew will go to Vietnam , Cambodia , Thailand , Indonesia and other countries throughout Asia .
“They will select singers from each country to feature on the show, and we've been lucky to be their first country selected,” Mr Anoulack said.
Nalin was the winner of the Close-Up 2005 singing contest, where she was discovered by Indee Records, which approached her about making an album.
“The debut album from Nalin was released at the end of last year, and now her songs are on high rotation on various radio programmes in Vientiane ,” Mr Anoulack explained.
Last week, she staged a free concert with Vorachith Intharaphithak, or Sam, at the Lao-ITECC, which attracted almost 1,000 fans.
“The crew was there to capture my performance on stage on their last day,” said Nalin.
Mr Phaiboun also reported that the programme would invite various singers from each country to perform in Japan in June this year, Laos included.
NSK was established in July 1946, to elevate the ethical standards in reporting and protect and promote the media's common interests. NSK is an entirely independent and voluntary organisation funded and operated by the private media of Japan .
Well -known recording studio Valentine Music is set to delight fans with performances by a fabulous line-up of artists on February 14 to mark their 5 th birthday.
The free concert will kick off at 7pm on Thursday at the Lao-ITECC, and feature their latest and greatest artists as well as some old favourites, including Ting Phailavan, Touly, Lady, Secret, Boxer, Funny Girl and Easy...more
“Our studio, founded in 2003, has produced numerous albums by Lao artists, and greatly expanded the repertoire and diversity of our music scene. Our main objective is to continue to develop and promote local music and support aspiring young singers,” said the Director of Valentine Music, Mr Phoutthachanh Paphasala.
“During the past five years of hard work we have also been involved in many social activities, including holding concerts to support education, and the promotion of better health awareness amongst teenagers.”
“This is a great opportunity for us to gather together old and new singers, and there will also be some special surprises for concertgoers on the day.”
“This concert will unfortunately not be as big as last year, because we are currently very busy recording albums for some of our new artists, and working on a music contest that we plan to hold soon. Also a number of artists are busy with their exams and don't have the time for rehearsals,” explained Mr Phoutthachanh.
One of the latest albums released by Valentine Music is a VCD by Ms Bidasak Si-akkhaphom, also known as Touly, and the album, packed with pop-dance hits, is shaking up the local entertainment scene.
Her performance this Thursday will include many of the songs that have made her famous, including ‘Just Say Hi' - a popular love song on FM radio at present.
Ting Philavanh will also star in the Valentine's Day line-up, singing numbers from her second album ‘The Real Me', including the pacy ‘My Boy' and her emotional ballad Vao Ma Pheua Yang (Why did you say that to me?).
Other bands on the bill include Secret, Boxer, and Easy, who will contribute their harder style for local rockers, as well as a number of other surprises the company has in store for the crowd.
“Straight after the concert, on February 17, we will hold a song contest at the Talat Sao Shopping Mall, in which nine finalists will compete to become one of three selected best singers,” Mr Phoutthachanh said.
“These winners will work closely with our company and develop their voice and performance styles. We will then record and produce an album with them, after signing recording contracts, and together we will produce some more fantastic music for the public.”
Photo: An artist's 3D depiction of the Lao Music Awards prize.
The first ever Lao Music Awards will be held this summer in the capital, to promote the work of the local music industry and to acknowledge the wealth of quality Lao songs, singers and songwriters.
Sengdara Communications will work closely with the Ministry of Information and Culture to organise the first ever Lao Music Awards.
“We will present awards for our best songs and artists, as well as those working behind the scenes, during this, the first annual music awards in Laos,” Sengdara Communications Creator, Mr Vannasy Phonchanheuang, said yesterday...read more
“Winners will each receive a unique prize combining traditional design with an international flair – a vintage record player or gramophone, combined with a dok champa (the Lao national flower),” Mr Vannasy explained.
The Lao music industry has grown significantly in recent years. While just a decade ago listeners could hear only traditional folk songs and country music, today the burgeoning industry has given birth to many other genres, including pop, rock, r&b, hip-hop and dance.
“The award will be a catalyst for further development of the Lao music scene, because it will encourage artists and record companies to produce quality music, both in traditional genres and more contemporary styles,” the Acting Director General of the Fine Art Department, Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong, said.
Through the continued support of the government and private sectors, the local music industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds, he noted.
“There are still, however, only a few people who consider music to be their main career. This is due to a lack of support and national acknowledgement. The announcement of the 2008 Lao Music Awards is therefore an historic event,” he said.
Mr Vannasy added that the event aims to target all Lao singers, artists and composers, to encourage the development of musical talent to its fullest degree and raise the stature of musicians as valuable assets, and very real stars.
It is hoped the awards will not only encourage those already in the business to strive to produce the highest quality music for the enjoyment of fans, but also inspire anyone with the talent and aspirations to aim for stardom.
Awards will be given in 13 categories, including best album of the year; best song of the year; best male and female artists; best group or band; best traditional Lao song; best country, folk, pop, rock and hip-hop songs; and best producer and composer.
“We will have a press conference soon to announce further details, and to request that all recording companies send nominations for the awards,” Mr Vannasy said.
