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."

Source:Fifa.com

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.

By Vientiane Times
More photos at
http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=22755395

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.”

By XAYXANA LEUKAI
Vientianetimes

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.

Source: http://www.worldhum.com/weblog/item/los_angeles_native_jonny_olsen_huge_in_laos_20081120/

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.

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

(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.

Source: kpl

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.

Source: Vientianetimes

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.

By Vientiane Times

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.

By Vientiane Times

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.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
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

'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!

Source: http://whoweeklymagazine.com

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.

Translated by TT

Source: ecom