PHRA THAT LUANG FESTIVAL

This year for the very first time that Pra That Luang Festival, the holiest stupa in Laos will be held in two separate locations -That Luang square 20 - 24 November and Lao-ITECC 17 - 25 November.  Phra that Luang houses the foundation stone of Lao capital city - Vientiane.

That Luang square 20 - 24 November - this will remain pivotal central of religious and cultural ceremonies.  The traditional exhibitions of handicrafts and agricultural products from the provinces will also be here while industrial products will be on show at Lao-ITECC.

For expatriate Laotians around the globe who live as far as 10,000 miles away from the holy shrine, this will be an opportunity to catch up with friends where the festival will be held at various local temples.  You are invited to come to the coolest Phra That Luang festival Canadian style at Cadet Building, 14 - 32470 Hida Drive, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada on Saturday 8th December 2007 between 6PM to 1.00AM.  There will live performances from Lao-Canadian artists as well as artists from America, not to mention traditional dance performance.  So be there!  More info>>>>

DID YOU KNOW.....

Exile Lao Prince, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Soulivong SAVANG, grandson of the last King of Laos Savang Vatthana wedded Princess Chansouk SOUKTHALA on Saturday 10th  November 2007 in Canada.  He obtained his law degree in France.  He has been living in France ever since arriving in 1981 as refugee.  Should he follow a footstep of King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia by going back to Laos?  He'll gain more supports from international players, expatriates, Laotians within Laos if he go back and work with the less unfortunate ones, those who are still affected by Indo-china war. There are so much he can do for them, for his beloved country.  As a new generation Lao youth, I certainly hope that he will go back.  Or will he settle down in Canada with his new Princess?  For his bibliography can be found here

CUSTOM MADE

The soukhouane is the key cultural word that connotes and denotes the attitude, the thinking and worldview of the Lao people.  To many Lao, it is the true maker of the Lao identity: every Lao person, regardless of gender, must and will have a soukhouane at one stage or another of his or her life.   The performance of the soukhouane evokes the history, the mythology and cosmology that have existed since the halcyons days of our ancestors.  It helps to bring about spontaneous memory of long-held tradition, of happy times and good omens for the future.  Furthermore, it speaks of the joys of the present and mundane occurrence like feasting and celebrating the auspicious occasions or to strengthen oneself in time of crisis.  The soukhouane has become for the Lao a mechanism through which the Lao maintain links with and represent the past: maintaining and continuing their identity and tradition.  More info>>>

SOUTH WEST REPRESENTZ

Introducing this young beat maker from south west of Sydney known around town as Rai-C aka Alain.  This 18 years old has been written his own materials over few years.  What does he do between breaks from studies for his final year of school?  Obviously he makes hip hop beats.  There have been many questions shoved into his hip hop head by his friends.  To listen his latest tracks and find out more about this youngster click here >>>>

WAT PHU CHAMPASAK

Where the hell do you get information about World Heritage site known as Wat Phu Champasak?  Well, how about let these two punks from Smartzon punk rock group educate you. You may learn plenty from "Wat Phu Champasak " punk rock song from these famous dudes about world famous temple situates in the southern part of Laos. 

Wat Phu was the most recent site in Laos listed as World Heritage site.  Local southerners still celebrate festival as their ancestors have been for thousand of years before them.  These three days event attracts pilgrims from immediate neighbouring countries such Cambodia and Thailand.   More info >>>>

CELLS, SWEET SUCCESS

A few years after they released  their self titled brilliant première debut album "Cells", they have released follow up album distribute by Thai giant Grammy.  

Cells rocketed to stardom with hit song Kon Zuay meaning "Unlucky Dude".  After appearing in Thai national television show and countless live performances in Thailand and Laos, Cells have become household name in both countries and rejuvenate Lao pop / rock music to young Lao expatriates around the globe.  

These young and talented Laotians are ahead of their peers in song writing and arrangement, or put it frankly they consistently make great pop / rock songs. 

Watch this video, it posted by Cells' fan world wide.  More info>>>

 "WHY TELLING ME?"

Simply known as Vieng around down town Vientiane Precincts.  He has been doing live concerts around for some times in major Clubs and Hotels in Vientiane.  

Though little known as pop / rock artist outside of Vientiane but after his song "Bok Het Yang - meaning Why Telling Me?" aired nationally and it has been well received by public.   It is one of many good songs from his solo album.  It released a few years ago.

This is high explosive, heavy sound, and decidedly well executed song fall into as nu metal class.  After listening to this song and we don't have to tell you Viengsyha who?  Viensyha rocks.  More Info>>>>>

Two outstanding songs by this gorgeous Vanvisa Phothiraj, they are Paurhang Still In Form (meaning Divorcee Still in Form and Yalaung Hikoy (meaning Don’t Let Me Keep Hanin’ On).  They are known as Lum Teuy.  Watch these two video, they demonstrate the proper dance moves for this type of Lum performing by Lao National Dance Troupe.  Did you know for each type of Lum there is a specific dance moves for that specific Lum.  More info >>>  

  Casy Vangverkong is proving to be as versatile.  We know that she is a great country singer.  Lum Ban Xok is another brilliant classical folk song from her.  This is northern style of Lum.  As you might be aware that people of Laos divide ourselves into three categories according to the altitude at which we live.  They comprise of Lao Loum, Lao Theung and Lao Sung.  This video demonstrates how women from three ethnic groups dress in their traditional customs.  Singer dresses in Lao Loum.  Dancers are in Lao Theung and Lao Sung.  Another important facts as you move northward of Laos, Lao dialect progressively change.  So this means that we can tell which part of Laos we are from by listening to how people talk.  This also reflexes in how our Morlums sing.  More Info >>>>>  

The fourth song is by young and cute Morlum.  It’s Hug Sao Lao (meaning Love Lao Girl).  This song released in early 2000s.  It’s fusion of Lao Loum lum and Lao Theung Lum.  Not only this is for the very first time that any Lao Theung song has made it to the main stream in Laos.  It has also become very popular in neighbouring countries.  Usually lyrics are in Lao and dialect from Lao Theung or Lao Sung.  

HIGH FLAME

 Do you like pop music?  Here is the latest song from spanking new five-man band from down town Vientiane called HIGH FLAME.  They come out this catchy song pop song called Jia Baur Ka meaning Insecurity in English.  Yeah, it is a teeny, love song from the boy point of view.  This song is about insecure young man fall in love with pretty young girl.  More info >>>

IN FASHION 

Check out this up and coming Fashion Designer to hit France by storm.  Nithaya Somsanith was born in Vientiane, Laos in 1982.  Now he resides in city of romance, Paris.  His interest in art started when he was young. 

 He first launched a Fashion Show in Cahors, south of France.  After gaining positive massive media coverage from several of his Fashion Parade Presentations and he since has moved to Paris.

Lao origin has also influence in his designs where collections are perfect mixture of eastern & western cultures.  His latest show was in February 2007.  More info>>>>

THE JOY OF BEING

Here is a collection of Lums from one of Lao recogisable Morlum, Thongvone Kunnara.  These are actually songs from her first album produced by Dr. Pao Saykeo in 19991, Sydney Australia.   

This is a message from the producer.  “Thank you very much for your support for this special girl who has developed an extra-ordinary talent.  She has used her disability to make her dream come true”.  Indeed after the released of her first album, she has escalated into stardom and toured within Australia, America, and Europe.   

Thongvone wants to delicate this album to all the young Laotians around the World and it carries her special personal message.  “What the mind can conceive you can achieve.” And “You need a vision not an eye to succeed”.  More info>>>>>

SEATTLE ONFIRE

Did you know Invanz from Onfire Entertainment will perform live in Seattle.  Check his space for more info>>>

  THE BONA BROTHERS

An Asian American MC has shown his notorious bright lights and simultaneously brought a measure of humour in the Pacific Northwest. He has opened shows for heavyweights.  You saw the video of "Getdown". You may have a small glimpse of him. So, strap up your Bentley seat belts and prepare to experience something way beyond your way of imagination. Welcome to the world of "The Bona Brothers" Playboy Tre & Sonny Bonoho experience.  Telling You is a spanking new song.  More info>>>

LUCKY MILES THE MOVIE

Another Lao-Australian actor stars in a movie called Lucky Miles.  Srisacd graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.  He is a leading man.  He appeared in several Australian TV series and performed as main character with independent theatre companies.  Lucky Miles will be shown at Greater Union movie theatre around Australia.  More info at official site.

ONE OF THESE DAYS

Artists of Lao origin would take the world by the horns.  One of These Days is a new hard-hitting, explosive, high octane, rock song from Daovone.  There are many of Lao men who have tried to rock the world.  Daovone stands out as the main man.  His career reads like no one.  He was an important member of his band for years.  He has experienced international stage and has worked with other international stars and along the way influencing and helping out careers of others.   

This is his solo project yet you can still feel as nothing has changed.  It’s hard not to be swayed by the clever song-writing and meticulous arrangement.  One of These Days, it will blow you away.  More info>>>>

THE SOUND OF LAOS

This is traditional music from Laos.  Studies have been conducted on Lao folk music many occasions within and outside of Laos.  As you may be aware of there are many styles of Lum depending which part of Laos you are familiar with.  The more predominant ones are those from the southern part of Laos.  Certainly they are still popular among local and expatriate.  These are raw sounds out of Laos.  They are just simple sounds comprise of mainly Lao instruments. More info>>>>

JULY FESTIVAL

The Lao Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, is proud to announce that for the first time, Laos will be represented at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Master saw player Thongtanh Souvannapanh and his troupe will be performing Lao classical music in the "Roots of Virginia" cultural program. Master kaen player Bounseung Synanohn and his troupe will perform folk music ('lum') in the "Mekong River" program. Their performances will mostly represent Southern Laos, including 'lum siphandon', 'lum tung wai', 'lum sarawun', 'lum sohm', 'lum konsawun', 'lum putai', and 'lum ban sawk'. When you there don't forget to drop by to Wat Buddhavong for July Festival.  More Info>>>

SONG BIRD

Birdie has created the sound that will redefine soul music as we know it and place the term "Underground Pop" on the lips of all who hear her melodies.  Her debut album entitled "Underground Pop: Xposed", will combine her passion for Hip Hop, Pop, and Soul and blends her soulful sounds and rich tones into a new creative vibe all her own.  Her debut album showcases Birdie's ability as an artist, and will capture audiences worldwide as she reaches out to her Laotian heritage.

"Underground Pop: Xposed," is the eagerly anticipated first release from the Blood in the Water Records group. The label is launched by Disraeli Arito, in-demand producer, author, writer, creator and musician.  Songs like "Without You" highlight her range, while the rhythmic beats of "Til the End of Time" and "Sexy" showcase her natural talent. Her anthem, the single "I'm a Bytch", is available on her myspace page.  More info>>>>>

DID YOU KNOW.....

Laopress.com website is backup by National Library of Australia ensuring that future generations will have records of the past.

BOMB HARVEST

Australia's most prestigious film festival, Sydney Film Festival will be on during June 2007.  “Bomb Harvest” film will be shown.  It’s a documentary about UXO (unexploded ordnance) in Laos.   During Vietnam War, Laos set unwanted record as being the most bombed country in the history.  More than 35 years on, the deadly legacy of this destruction continues, with the country still scattered with unexploded ordnance.  More info

BLOW AWAY WITH WORDS

This Project co-ordinated by beautiful Sumana Viravong.  The idea started back in 2005 when she was invited to join a panel at Sydney Writer's Festival.  She is a great grand daughter of Lao legendary and historian Maha Sila Viravong.  The project was a collaborative process between the Casula Powerhouse, the Lao Community Advancement, and the Australia Council for the Arts. It funded by The Australia Arts Council.  Read a story by young, artistic,  talented, and cute Angelique Vongsaya who has been working tirelessly with Lao youth in Sydney while juggling time doing course at university.  She co-hosted Miss Charity Quest in 2006 and 2007.  More here >>>

DID YOU KNOW….

Giant Thai record company, GMM Grammy is to promote Lao rock band CELLS.  Their songs have been aired throughout Thailand and well received by Thai public.  Their music video is coming out soon!  CELLS, they’ll be number one? 

LAO CLASSIC SONGS BY THAI SUPER STAR

One of many great pop groups from Thailand in the 80s and 90s is Rainbow.  Rainbow band had countless hits songs and released several great albums.  Lead singer of this yesteryear famous band is simply known as Tom.  He recently released his ambitious latest project yet.  He re-introduced some of the best Lao classic songs with his trademark - sweat vocal voice.  He sings in Lao.  Here are some of the songs.  More here >>>

SANDRA, NEW SILVER SCREEN PRINCESS

The most well known, young, beautiful, poignant, articulated, talented diplomat of Laos is no doubt is Alexandra Bounxouei.  She has toured across continent for several times - Europe, America, Australia, and Asia representing her country as well as herself performing her music.  Born to Bulgarian mother and Lao father, Sandra speaks Bulgarian to her dad and Lao to her mum at home. 

Piano is her first instrument that Sandra learns.  But she is widely known for her beautiful playing of violin, an instrument that is hard and take long hours of practice daily to master.  Currently, she is staring in a popular Thai television comedy series as a leading woman showing on prime time TV, a story about young Thai guy, Wier Sukollawat Kanarot falling for typical Lao girl, Alexandra Bounxouei.  The show is Pleng Rug Rim Fung Khong.  More info >>>

KEOTA VIETNAMESE KEOJAI

A 22 years old Lao student who goes to Vietnam to further higher education has become Vietnamese pop star.  Keota Xayyasing appeared on popular Vietnamese television show singing a song he penned.

This Economics Major student, Keota released his première album in Vietnam in 2006.  He wrote all tracks.  A track from this CD called "Gửi làn gió" has been on top of charts.  He is now very popular artist among teen fans across Vietnam.  More info >>>>

NEW STARS ARE BORN

Lao music companies are now producing a wide variety of songs, introducing new music styles every month and playing them over the radio each day.

Cream, a new singer with Lao Art Media, is now the most popular artist among teenagers in Vientiane.  Cream said that her song Mokha tells about the young love of two teenagers. The girl falls in love with a boy she has never met. Finally they get to meet and form a friendship.  The only album featuring Cream at present has 12 tracks, with some performed by the bands Fleshy, Wanchai, Happy Boys. Since Cream featured on the earlier album, she has toured the country as well as performing in some of the nearby provinces of Thailand.  More info >>>>

THE YOUNG AND RESTLESS IN FRANCE (LNY 2007)

Here is a video of how young expatriates celebrating their Lao New Year in France.  These young and beautiful girls model Lao tradition wears by demonstrating the perfect traditional dance known as Lumvong.  As you might aware that these design-tailor-made national costumes are very popular among young girls where they wear to party, wedding,  temple or special occasions.  They are quite dear.  Girls just love them.  Well, I find them very attractive!  Watch Video.

Seri Lao: An Anthology of Lao-Australian Refugee Writings  

To be officially launched by Christopher Kremmer, acclaimed author of ‘Stalking The Elephant Kings’ and ‘ Bamboo Palace ’, about the lives of the former Lao Royal Family.  Seri Lao collects shared stories from the refugee community that lived through one of he most traumatic periods in Lao history. The book captures their vivid memories of fears, hopes, disappointments of broken hearts and delights of dreams fulfilled in the new country. It also highlights the impact of the historic changes in Australia’s policy towards refugees.  More info>>>>>  

NEW YEAR IN LAOS - Happy Lao New Year 

• Watch Lao New year in Luang Prabang 

• See Pi Mai Lao (Lao new year) Bah Si

• Pra Bang Bathing Ceremony (Pi Mai Lao) Video

PUANG CHAMPA

Lao Heritage Foundation (LHF) will introduce the Foundation to the local community in Seattle, WA on April 21st.  The program will include an exhibit by Tiao Nithakhong Somsanith, traditional music and dance performances, and a showing of the documentary film on one of LHF's most important projects, Puang Champa.  LHF will also take part in the second International Conference on Lao Studies (ICLS), which is organized by the Center for Lao Studies, at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ from May 3-6.  More info >>>

Here is what you have been waiting for to see - Fashion Parade modelling by Nang Sangkharnes of the previous years.  The event held at the time as Miss Charity Quest.  Collections are Lao traditional customs with a bit of jazzing up and they are sexy.  Fashion Parade modelling by Nangkharnes of previous years.  Fashion Parade by laopress.com.   More info >>>

SILK ROAD

Here is another video made ready over the weekend. Music is by Lao best rock artist.   Here we were on the road to the southern province of Laos, we stopped over at a village in the middle of nowhere.  We drove more than 50 kilometre from the main high way.  Yeah, there is no place on earth like Laos.  Starring in the leading role in Fancy & Nathan.  

NANG SANGKHARNE 2007

Miss Malena Vongdara is our Miss Charity Quest for 2007. She made history by becoming our 28th Nang Sangkharne since Lao Coop Community Inc. held its first event back in 1979.  The judging criteria is tough base on these: unique Lao smile,  manner, catwalk, traditional dance of Lumvong, Lao talking, most importantly BEAUTIFUL.  Andy Chanthavixay owner of laopress.com was part of panel of nine judges.  Watch video.  More info>>>>

Charity Quest / Miss Lao 2006

More pictures   Watch video

LAOS 2004

Laopress.com nominates "Welcome TO Laos" By Kongla as the unofficial song for the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, the capital city of Lao PDR.  What is it?

Laos joined The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on 23rd July 1997.   She will host their 10th ASEAN summit in Nakorn Luang Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.  The increasingly commercial elite ASEAN will get together to talk about issues that are important to them.  There should be more of these big important events held in Laos since Laos has its relaxed atmosphere and environment for important issues to decide upon.  Full story>>>

COMEDY SPECTACULAR

A few days after the the tragic, tragic, indescribable event known as September 11, I wrote this article titled "BASTARD".  let's go back and read that again. Full story>>

WAT BUDDHALAVARN

Wat Buddhalavarn has more than 20 years of history.  Temple was originally house in Cabramatta where there are many Laotian living in and around that area.  Several monks stayed at rented three bedrooms house.  After several years of generosity of donation from Buddhists, Wat Duddhalavarn was able to purchase a house in Cabramatta.  That was where it’d based for another six – seven years.   In the late 1990’s Wat Buddhalavarn Inc bought more than 50 acres of land, two houses and a large shed.  One house is now... Full story>>>

OZ POLITICS  

Australia is a representative democracy where people elect representatives to make decisions for them. You vote at federal elections to elect people to represent you in the Australian Federal Parliament. Parliament is a decision-making body, which is made up of two houses – The House of Representatives and The Senate. More info >>

DID YOU KNOW…

What year did Laos first compete in Olympics?

LABOUR OF LOVE

One of new politicians emerging in Local Government elections is councillor Anoulack Chanthivong (ALP).  He is trained Economist.  He represents an electorate where the Leader of Leader of the
Australian Labor Party, Mr. Mark Latham lives.  More info>>>

THE HISTORY OF SIKHOTTABONG STUPA

The Sikhotttanbong stupa funded by king Sumintharath or Sumitta Thammavongsa Atherat of Sikhottaboun Laung Empire about the 5^th to 6^th centuries before Christ year.  According to the historical document of the Buddha’s ash (That Phnon) retold that Nanthasane, the first king of Sikhottaboun Empire governed the town during the lifetime of the Buddha. 

The history of Sikhottabong stupa didn’t appear almost 500 years in any histories and legends.  In the reign of LaneXang kingdom, the king Fa Ngum Maharath united the multi kingdom into one land in1353.  In 1433 the governor of Kabong town (Maung Kao) started to chip and clear the surrounding of this stupa. More info>>

EVERYBODY WANT TO RULE THE WORLD

Most of you might probably know that I have a burning desire to assist in promoting anything Lao, especially music.  In fact, it's our responsibilities to help future generations / leaders proud to claim that they come from Laos and they are Lao.

This is a link to Seng Rattanavong's website.  He has been art director and designer little over 10 years.  Check his portfolios out. http://www.ithink29.com

THE POWER OF ONE

Pride in anyone language is big word.  Building Chao Fa Ngum statue in Vientiane to honour the greatest Lanxang King is an excellent idea.  It will sure lift up Lao spirit and PRIDE. 

Here is an article by LANXANG.  This is a story of Chao FaNgum, the first king of LANXANG.

Chao FaNgum was the grandson of Phraya Khamphong, the ruler of Meuang Sua (Luangprabang). Because it was reputed that he was born with 33 teeth ? an ominous sign for the throne, he was exiled from the land. By the way, one source said that his father, Phi Fa, committed adultery with his grandfather's concubine, both the father and Chao FaNgum fell from the ruler's favours and had to leave the country.

fierce, elegant, power, ONE......

iNFO [HISTORY]

more info  http://www.panyasin.net or http://www.muanglao.com

BOON PRA THAT LAUNG

The largest temple fair happens at the end of the year during November is Pra That Luang Festival.  It's our tradition that along with religious ceremony of Boon That Laung comes a trade show and carnival games.

Vien Tien in the evening is the beginning of the Festival.  Thousand of people with candle-light walk around Sim three times lead by chanting monks. 

Pra That Laung is the most important national monument in Laos, a symbol of both the religion and Lao sovereignty.  It built during King Sethhathirat era.  It situates about 5km north east of the center of Vientiane, the national capital city of Laos.  Sitting is front of the That Laung is a status of King Setthathirat.

This year Wat Prayortkeo in Sydney, Australia constructed a small replica of That Luang.  Laopress.com again documented as it happened.  Several hundred people turned up for the occasion.  There were live traditional as well as popular entertainment.  There were also a rare Lao artifacts on show. 

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Laopress.com has secured world exclusive interview with Dr Kitsana Manivong, a Board Director of the largest Laotian community in Australia, Lao Community Advancement (NSW) Co-operative limited. His portfolio falls under Laotian Youth. He is also an active member of YLAG.

He talks about current initiatives and those currently are being understudied which will bring Laotian together for good cause, fun and games, multifunction hall, activities for Youth, global Laotians, future of Lao Advancement Co-op, his plans and visions for the future.

There are several initiatives that are currently being implemented or understudied. According to Dr Kitsana Manivong these are some of them: national sport e