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.

To see more photos: visit our gallery >>

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.

Source: TSP

Cells score four prizes at Lao Music Awards

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.

By PHOONSAB THEVONSA
Vientianetimes

Lao Music Awards to promote music industry

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.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes

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

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

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.

By Somsack Pongkhao
Vientiane Times

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.

By PHAISYTHONG CHANDARA
Vientianetimes

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.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes

More photos:

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 .

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
Vientianetimes

Weza , a new band from Savannakhet province, have released two hot singles, and played their first shows for Vientiane fans at Lao-ITECC last weekend.


The concert was organised by the Vientiane Youth Centre for Health and Development and the Vientiane Women's Union .

They performed three songs to greet the Vientiane crowd - the singles Khor Khuam (Message), Thon Bor Vai (Can't Endure), and Sou Phueua Fan (Fight for a Dream)

“This is our first time on stage here and we are so happy to play at this concert; we never thought we'd appear here when we launched the band,” said 21-year-old vocalist Mr Xayxana Silylasak (Ai) of his three-piece, which also includes Mr Vongphasouk Khenthanavong (22) or Lulu, and guitarist, Mr Xaixana Sengsopha (20) or Thang...more

“We first met each other in 2003, when we attended a song contest while we were in secondary school in Savannakhet province,” said Lulu.

“We were interested in each other's music and we formed a band called Impression, which had seven members, but it was unfortunate that not everyone got along and the band soon dissolved, and then we were all busy with our final exams,” said Thang.

In 2004, after graduation, he called the members back in hopes of getting together again, but only three of the former band mates were available, and so Weza was born.

“Weza comes from two words - ‘We', or ‘us', and ‘Za', which is short for ‘Savannakhet'. Our band name tells people who we are and where we come from,” said Ai.

“Our dreams came true after the first disappointment, when we failed to pass the final round of the Close-Up Music Award in 2006. Luckily, there was a producer in the audience from Samlan Entertainment, who approached us and suggested we sign up with them,” Ai said.

“We were stunned, and there was one question in our minds: why, if we failed the contest, would they want us to join their company? But we weren't about to say no.”

A few weeks later, the company began talking about making an album for them, and the band signed the contract here in Vientiane , where the US recording company has its local studio and sub-branch.

The band spent over a year on the album, before they launched the first single that made them well known to radio listeners.

The lyrics of Khor Khuam were written by Ai's mother, a gift to him; the song is about the love of a teenage boy for a girl, but he doesn't dare tell her how he feels, and he only knows her mobile phone number so he sends a text greeting to her every day.

“My mother is not a songwriter, she just loves music and I was really surprised when she gave me the lyrics, and just said “sing it”. We adapted it a little bit, and we never expected the song would become a hit,” said Ai.

“The second single, now getting airplay, is titled Thon Bor Vai, written by DJ Hieng, which tells what happens when girlfriends break our hearts.”

The full album, entitled Kap Ma (Come Back), has nine tracks and has already been launched in the US ; the company is preparing its local release for March.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes

More than 500 concert-goers were treated to a stellar line-up of songsters performing on a red stage on Friday night, at a concert to launch the Lao branch of discount airline AirAsia.

Under its slogan “Now Everyone Can Fly”, the airline launched its inaugural flight into Vientiane on December 1 last year, and is now selling tickets to the public.

The concert, which included a competition for prizes and free tickets for all concert-goers, was entitled “Painting Vientiane's Skyline Red” and brought with it the hottest artists from Indee Records ...more info and photos >>>


More photos >>

The event opened with the record company's newest member, solo performer Souk, who performed three rock singles which he promised would be included on his upcoming album.

Pop star Nalin then sang some of her radio favourites, songs such as Vao Bar Bar (Why Do You Say That?).

Bringing the crowd to a standing ovation was girl band Princess, who didn't disappoint, despite a change in line-up since their last shows.

Another energetic songster, Sam, also greeted his fans with some of his well-known singles, including R&B hit Bok Hai Khoy Hou (Let Me Know), featuring a rapper from Lao Original Gangstarz (LOG) Alex.

The concert was held to mark the fact that AirAsia will now be running three direct flights per week to Vientiane from Kuala Lumpur .

The airline was the first low-cost carrier in Malaysia , and has rapidly established itself as the leading and largest budget airline in Asia .

AirAsia offers a simple “no frills” service at fares that are on average significantly lower than those offered by traditional full-service airlines.

The airline now flies to over 85 domestic and international destinations in Malaysia , Thailand , Indonesia , China , Vietnam , Cambodia , Laos , the Philippines , Brunei , Myanmar and Singapore .

It also has successful joint ventures in Thailand and Indonesia with the inception of Thai Airline and Indonesia AirAsia.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes

The Lao Brewery Company Limited chose Phouvong Jewelry to design the Jewelries for 2008 Beer Lao calendar girls.

"I feel very proud that the Lao Brewery Company Limited chose us to be a designer of Jewelries for 2008 Beer Lao calendar girls"

"Their style is different and was never made before because their cost is very high. Or it can be said that Beer Lao is the initiative of this production."

Mr Phouvong Phamisith, owner of Phouvong Jewelry in the Morning Market said: “This is the first work especially for Beer Lao and it is never made for others. Even though this work is hard, taking two months to finish and the cost is high, dressing and jewelries of every girl will be more distinctive than other years.”...more info

Based on the patterns book of Master Bounleung, patterns on the jewelries are modified to fit the girls and the era. In particular, the jewelries have big and thick shape in order to create excitement at their difference.

The most special aspect of the jewelries is that they are made of real gold bullion, comprising of four pairs of earrings, 11 bracelets, six big lockets, two buckles, a belt and a gold necklace. The total cost (both material and labour cost) reaches not less than USD 20,000. We make the special jewelries particularly for Beer Lao free of charge (sponsorship).

Mr Phouvong Phamisith added: “We will keep this set of jewelries as souvenirs in our museum and we do not sell them because they are the outstanding product with special uniqueness. They are shown off to the public as well as foreigners with the aim of helping them know the pattern art of Laos.



He concluded: “In the past 5-6 years we designed and made silver jewelries for many parties for the purpose of advertising and calendar producing. Therefore, if you are interested in it, please contact our shop at the shopping mall in the Morning Market.

Source: targetlao magazine
More photos of Miss Beer Lao
http://picasaweb.google.com/samakomlao/LaoIdols

Vientiane prepares for a fabulous New Year

Hotels, halls and entertainment venues throughout Vientiane are preparing parties to celebrate the New Year countdown on December 31.

According to Vientiane Times reporters yesterday, the line up for the big night includes:

Lao International Exhibition and Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC): Lao-ITECC is preparing a countdown party on December 31 for government leaders and officials as well as residents in Vientiane that includes a fashion show, and singing and dancing with local stars. Lao-ITECC will light fireworks and firecrackers at midnight as a highlight during the evening. The price of a ten seat table is one million kip per table...more

National Culture Hall: The Ministry of Information and Culture invite leaders and officials to join them in a New Year 2008 Countdown Party at the National Culture Hall. The party is also open to the general public, with a very reasonably priced of one million kip per 10 seat table including food and beverages. The ministry will also host a live telecast from 10 to 12pm, as well as stage a number of traditional performances, including singing and dancing for the entertainment of guests.

Lao Plaza Hotel: The hotel, in cooperation with Lao Brewery Company has organised a Bubble-Night Party for customers, providing free draft-beer, Beerlao gifts and food. The party will also feature popular singers from the Lao Art Media Company, as well as the opportunity to win big prizes in a lucky draw competition. The party price is US$300 for a 10 seat table, or US$30 per person.

Don Chan Palace: The hotel plans to surprise New Year revellers with popular singers from a famous local recording company, offer fabulous spot prizes for guests who come in fancy dress, and host a lucky draw. The hotel will also present a local circus that will astound part goers with performances during the evening's celebrations. The hotel has a set price of US $300 per 10 seat table and US$30 for person.

Novotel Hotel: The hotel will feature a concert with live bands including the famous Over Dance and Modern Dance, as well as Lao traditional performances. Staff will also provide a sumptuous variety of international foods for the delight of guests. The price is US$30 per person.

Still need some ideas? There are still many entertainment venues around Vientiane providing special gifts and draw cards to lure in customers, including the Wind-west pub, Highwayman, Marina, Romeo and Mina nightclubs. Various restaurants will also be hosted special events and deals, and giving out New Year gifts for customers.

Police warn people planning on going out and celebrating this New Year to be safe, and to be aware of the traffic regulations and driving drunk laws. People should celebrate this New Year, but ensure that they wake to a fantastic 2008.


By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

More bang for your buck
Lonely Planet Bluelist

South African travellers are always looking for a good deal and a way to make those hard-earned rands go further. If you're in the market for an overseas holiday, consider these destinations where you'll get serious bang for your buck・

Laos
Laos is unique in its region ・its relative isolation from foreign influence means travellers are in for a remarkably well-preserved slice of traditional Southeast Asian culture, everywhere from the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands. And now, with the opening of the border to central Vietnam, southern Laos ・previously the most remote place in the region ・is easier than ever to get to. Laos is studded with ancient temples and monasteries, and ecotourists are also in for a treat, with tremendous caving and kayaking opportunities in the country's large, unspoiled forests...more

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is unique in turbulent Latin America. It's leading the way in its conservation policies, with around 27 percent of the country protected, ensuring that the lush jungles are teeming with monkeys, lizards, frogs, and all manner of exotic birds and insects. It's also got awesome surfing and terrific beaches, a swag of huge national parks and volcanoes, and fantastic hiking and rafting opportunities. Plus the people are friendly (it's the only Latin American country with no army), the coffee's outstanding, and, off Cocos Islands, there's some of the world's best diving.

Dominican Republic
The DR packs a huge punch. On the one hand, it's your typical tropical island paradise with pure-white beaches, oh-so-blue waters and oodles of palm trees. On the other hand, it boasts a rugged mountain interior with ample opportunities for first-class wildlife discovery, rafting and hiking. And the locals like to hang loose, too, holding surfing championships with all the attendant hoopla, block parties galore, and two annual Carnival extravaganzas. If none of that satisfies, check out the capital, Santo Domingo: with its faded, Spanish-colonial and art deco architecture, it's like Cuba without the rhetoric.

Ethiopia
Beautiful Ethiopia offers the chance to step back in time, as befitting a country known as the 'Cradle of Civilisation' (in Addis Ababa's National Museum are the 3-million-year-old remains of 'Lucy', one of humankind's earliest ancestors). Ethiopia is the home of remarkably well-preserved traditions (the north is filled with Christian monuments dating back to the 4th century AD), a legacy of its status as the only African nation to avoid colonisation. It also boasts diverse ecosystems ・deciduous forest, evergreen forest, desert scrub, wetlands, grasslands ・and there are plenty of hiking opportunities in the country's rugged mountains.

Iceland
Chilly Iceland is a tourist hotspot, largely due to its striking natural features: majestic glaciers, empty black-sand beaches, hot springs, geysers, active volcanoes, ominous peaks, massive lava deserts・and, in summer, a sun that never seems to set. This is the land of classic photo opportunities. It's also got a storied history and folklore tradition and a renowned, and eclectic, modern music scene centred on Reykjavik, a vibrant, friendly city that contains some of Northern Europe's best bars. For more physical pursuits, whale-watching, swimming and fishing are popular, and there's also the chance to ・wait for it ・go diving.

Nicaragua
Nicaragua, Central America's largest country, has been curiously ignored by the tourist hordes thus far. But relax ｬｬ・the war's over, even if for outsiders perception hasn't changed. Discerning travellers with a thirst for adventure know that the country's protected parks and nature reserves, massive black volcanoes and tracts of rainforest are perfect for trekking. Others will just appreciate the scenery, including the atmospheric Spanish colonial towns. The beaches are superb, too, with plenty of surfing and diving spots, and all of it is easy on the wallet.

Syria
For history buffs and lovers of atmospheric locations alike, Syria delivers the goods ・the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mongols, Ottomans and French are just some who've left their imprint on the country. Think of Syria as a vast open-air museum, with stunning ruins and magnificent castles; Bosra, possibly the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheatre; Aleppo, with its covered, stone-vaulted souqs, extending for 10km; and Damascus of course, probably the oldest world's oldest continuously occupied city.

Tokyo, Japan
Hit Tokyo's clubs, bars, karaoke rooms and restaurants for full-tilt sensory overload. Or just wander the streets: there's always something to do in Tokyo, and not all of it involves great wads of cash. The sheer energy of the city's consumer culture can provide days of entertainment, but there are pockets of tradition, from small backstreet noodle shops and onsen to little old ladies in traditional dress. The streets and alleyways are teeming with worlds within worlds, and you'll never be short of eye candy, whether it involves girls dressed as Little Bo Peep or boys dressed as Edward Scissorhands.

Ukraine
After a long, bitter and very bloody period of Russian occupation ・and the appalling disaster that was Chernobyl ・you'd be forgiven for thinking Ukraine needed time to heal. But, although the scars are still fresh, the country is infected with an enthusiasm that's rapidly rubbing off on travellers. What's on offer? Cheap food and drink, the frenetic capital Kyiv, wonderful trekking through the Carpathian Mountains, with its rich and exotic wildlife; Gothic and Byzantine architectural wonders; the Crimean coast by the Black Sea・you can even kit yourself out in protective clothing and take a tour through the Chernobyl power station itself, perfect for lovers of haunted, post-apocalyptic landscapes.

Uruguay
The meat in a geographical sandwich between Latin American behemoths Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay just quietly goes about its business. A respite from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires and Rio, Uruguay charms travellers with its wonderful colonial towns, lovely beaches and peaceful, unspoiled natural beauty. Hiking, horse riding, fishing, biking and whale-watching are just some of the pursuits on offer. If you do need something more, shall we say, 'cosmopolitan', there's always Punta del Este: this renowned beach peninsula is in party mode 24/7, year-round, attracting socialites and celebrities from all over Latin America.

Source: http://travel.iafrica.com/destin/700520.htm

Big crowd expected at next Elephant Festival

Organisers of next year's Elephant Festival, to be held in February, expect more than 15,000 visitors to attend the parade of 70 elephants in Paklai district, Xayaboury province.

During the first Elephant Festival, held over two days in February this year in Hongsa district of Xayaboury province, close to 50 elephants took part, mostly from Viengkeo village, the largest population centre in Hongsa district, and more than 10,000 local and foreign visitors attended the event...more info>>

Next year's festival will run for three days, from February 15 to 17, as a joint project between ElefantAsia and the Lao National Tourism Administration.

“Our first festival was such a success, and attracted so many people, that we decided to make it a three-day event next year,” said ElefantAsia's Programme Manager, Mr Sebastien Duffillot, at a press conference at the Lao Journalists' Association yesterday.



“The event will not only aim to raise awareness of the importance of protecting elephants, but also to promote tourism and benefit local villagers, who will prepare home-stays, food and local products to sell to visitors,” he said, adding that the festival's primary purpose was to rekindle an interest in elephants, and to encourage their care and preservation.



During the festival, visitors will be able to take elephant rides around the village and explore the natural surroundings. Trainers will demonstrate how elephants take part in logging projects, and there will also be a short circus performance .

The 70 elephants will be blessed by monks in a traditional baci ceremony, and experts from organisations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society will give a lecture on elephant conservation.

Gender awareness will also be taken into consideration. “There was a competition last year to select three male elephants as the most gentle and friendly, but this year both female and male elephants will be chosen,” Mr Duffillot said.



Visitors can travel to the festival site by boat and bus from Vientiane and from Luang Prabang province, and 12 guesthouses will be available, as well as home-stay accommodation costing 25,000 kip a night.


By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes

KPL) The construction project of a railway system in Laos linking sub-region is almost 30 per cent completed, and is anticipated to open for public use by 2008 and to serve the 25th SEA-Game 2009 that will be hosted by Laos.

This is according to the project owner concluded last month, compared to the project plan.

The project was pressed button by Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh to kick start the construction earlier this year with an appreciation of linking sub-region along the Road No 1, which is belongs to an initiative idea of ASEAN Railway Kunming-Singapore...more

The project phase 1 stretches from the end of Friendship bridge to Ban Dongposy is valued at 197 million baht, of which 30 per cent of grant aid and loan for the rest.

For the second phase the railway will be built from the first station at Ban Dongphosy to Vientiane station at Ban Dongsavath with a stretch of nine km.

This project was granted by the French Government through Agence Francaise de Developpement that has approved the first grant of 150,000 euro.

This project has drawn attention from many companies both local and foreign that now five foreign companies have bought bid envelops from project owners.

Next phase of railway construction will build to connect the km 21 on the road No 13 passing through behind of the 25th SEA-Game stadium, industrial zone and an international airport that will be built in future.

The railway line of km 21 stretch is under survey and will be succeeded by this year.

Linking this railway from the km 21 to Thakhek district, Khammouna province, which connected Muda of Vietnam to Tan Up of Hanoi with a total stretch of 519 km.

One of the railways is the China-ASEAN rail link with three separate lines linking Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos with China.

The rail link will further go to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, and will be altogether 5,500 km-long. With its expected completion by 2015, the rail link will play a key role in pushing forward regional economic cooperation and integration.

China has already stated construction of the eastern line of rail link from Kunming to the Vietnamese border and it is investing 50 billion yuan (6.25 billion U.S. dollars) to build a total of three lines in Yunnan province to link them with Laos and Myanmar besides Vietnam.

Source: kpl

(KPL) The Lao girls’ dream of walking on Miss Universe’s stage may become true by selecting at the National Beauty Contest before going to international stage, said an official.

Mrs Soudala Chanthavithong, Deputy Chief of Media and Culture Department, Lao Women’s Union, spoke at a press conference on 2007 Miss Apone Lao Beauty Selection Contest last Friday.

The 2007 Miss Apone Lao Beauty Contest Project is a part of disseminating the Lao culture to outdoor and promoting valuable culture as much as possible...more

The previous contest has been held by the Lao Women’s Union and the K & C Company.

The project is running till 2010.More than 50 people from Lao Media, representatives of Lao Brewery Company, K&C Company, Lao Women’s Union took place at the press conference on 2007 Miss Apone Lao Beauty Selection Contest, under the sponsorship of the Lao Brewery Company.“

Once day we do hope that Lao girls’ dream may become true if all of them are supported by society, however they must be self-confident with knowledge, ability of performances and talent, all of them should be the first thing before reaching achievement,” said Mrs Soudala.

Meanwhile observers believed that Miss Apone Lao Contest Project is very important to the economic and social development involve in entertainment, fashion or even dressing style and to raise the reputation of country to overseas.

The 2nd round of 2007 Miss Apone Lao Beauty Selection held in early this month, as a result has already got 50 girls out of 350 candidates across the country.

The 2007 Miss Apone Lao Selection Contest was co-hosted by four provinces of Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Champassak provinces to search the most beautiful Lao girls.

Source: kpl.net.la