Filed under: Soma Norodom | Tags: Cambodian Davis Cup Team, Cambodian Tennis Team, Davis Cup, JB of Colorblind, Nagaworld, National Olympic Committee in Cambodia, Tennis Federation of Cambodia, Tep Rithivit
Kevin Nyland, Nagaworld VP for Investor Relations, addressing the media about Nagaworld's sponsorship with the Tennis Federation of Cambodia for the upcoming Davis Cup
Soma at the press conference on January 25th, representing PUC Radio, and out supporting her designer friend, JB, of Colorblind, and bringing her friend, Chantelle, who used to play tennis in college in the U.S.
(Left) H.E. Vat Chamroeun, NOC's Secretary General (Middle) Tep Rithivit, TFC's Secretary General, thanking Nagaworld for its support and for acknowledging the Tennis Federation's hard work in earning international recognition
The Tennis Federation of Cambodia, Nagaworld, and the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, working together to help Cambodia achieve sporting excellence
Tep Rithivit and JB, designer of Colorblind, who is Soma's designer for suits, will also design the Cambodian National Team's uniforms
Bun Kenny, #1 Cambodian tennis player, offered to teach Soma a few pointers about tennis, as Soma used to play tennis in jr. high, and wasn't good at all
The Davis Cup began in 1900 as a competition between USA and Great Britain. It is the world’s largest annual international team competition in sport, with 130 countries entering in 2011. The list of tennis legends to have competed in Davis Cup over the years includes all of the game’s most well known names such as; Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick and Rafael Nadal. All these tennis champions have represented their country with passion and commitment.
Cambodia earned the right to play in one of the oldest and most prestigious team competitions in the world, after the International Tennis Federation elevated the Tennis Federation of Cambodia (TFC) to a B Class Membership, at the annual general meeting in Bangkok in 2011. Cambodia is placed in the Asia Oceania Group IV, in a cluster of 10 countries that include Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Myanmar, Qatar, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, and the United Arab Emirates.
During the week of April 16, the countries in the Asia Oceania Group IV will compete in Doha, Qatar, and the top nation in each pool plays off against runner-up in other pool, with two winning nations promoted to Asia Oceania Zone Group III for 2013.
“The Cambodian National Team will be announced in early March. There may be one or two surprises in store. We are expecting two smart youngsters with plenty of college tennis experience in the United States to join the national team in March. That should come as a great support for our #1 player, Bun Kenny, who in the past one year has worked hard to improve his world rankings and is now a more seasoned campaigner and a far better and fitter player on the circuit,” stated Tep Rithivit, Secretary General for the Tennis Federation of Cambodia.
In partnership with the Tennis Federation of Cambodia, Nagaworld will sponsor the entire expedition to Qatar, keeping with its belief of supporting community development in Cambodia and helping the country achieve sporting excellence. Nagaworld has worked closely with the National Olympic Committee in Cambodia (NOC), and has supported the Rugby Federation and the Football Federation.
“The chance for Cambodia to participate in the Davis Cup is truly a giant leap forward for tennis and the future of sports in the country. We are happy to sponsor the national team as they embark on their quest to Doha,” said Rajesh Kumar, Nagaworld Vice-President for Events, Promotion and Entertainment.
“I hope it’s all aces and roses for the Cambodian National Team, while wishing the team a grand success in Doha, Nagaworld would be delighted to share this extraordinary moment with the country’s tennis community which richly deserves its place in the sun,” expressed Kevin Nyland, Nagaworld Vice-President for Investor Relations.
Tep Rithivit, the son of a former national champion, and a former junior tennis player, added, ” When Cambodia plays the first rubber in Doha, no matter against whom and with what result, Cambodian tennis would be on a pedestal that had seemed almost impossible to climb a few years ago. That’s the reality and that’s the reason why Davis Cup is such a big deal. Lastly, I would like to underline the presence of His Excellency, Vat Chamroeun, NOC’s Secretary General as a witness in this sponsorship agreement. NOC has been a steadfast supporter of the TFC. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him personally for being with us, again.”
Good luck to the Cambodian Davis Cup Team, and congratulations to Tep Rithivit and the Tennis Federation of Cambodia for debuting Cambodia to the tennis world.
Filed under: Soma Norodom | Tags: AsiaLIFE magazine, Cambodia, english language magazine, January 2012, king norodom sihanouk, Norodom, norodom sihanouk, phnom penh, Raffles Hotel, Royal Family of Cambodia, Sisowath, Soma Norodom, young royals
Soma's niece helping her get ready for the photoshoot
Soma with N.M. Sisowath Sieng Dy, her advisor for royal protocols, taking a break from the photoshoot. The picture above is of Soma's great uncle, former King, Norodom Sihanouk with Jacqueline Kennedy O'Nassis
Soma's uncle, Prince Sisowath Sirirath, reading her story in the December 2011 issue of AsiaLIFE
Soma's cousin, Bijou, and Soma getting ready for the casual/style wear photoshoot
Soma, Bijou, and Nikko looking stylish as they are the young generations of Cambodia's Royal Family
Soma-1 of 6 pages in the cover feature story about the Lifestyles of Young Royals in Cambodia
Ringing in the New Year, 2012, with style and class, and on the front cover of AsiaLIFE magazine
The most popular and reputable English language magazine in Cambodia is AsiaLIFE, a monthly lifestyle magazine, which is distributed throughout Phnom Penh, and in other provinces. It is the essential guide to life in Cambodia, at no charge. Last month I was honored to be featured in their Q & A section, and received positive feedbacks via texts and emails the first day the magazine came out.
On January 2nd, the first issue of 2012 arrived, and profiled my cousins and I as the cover story. I received an email from a friend stating, “Hey, I saw you on the cover of AsiaLIFE! Young and Royal! Good shot.” Of all the days that the cook and driver had to be gone (they went to a wedding), was the day that the magazine was hot off the press, and I couldn’t get my hands on one. But I had Mariam pick up a few, one for my father, and one for me.
To be featured in a magazine is an honor, and to be on the cover of the premier magazine in the country, it’s surreal. Just looking at my father’s expression when he received the magazine the following day during dialysis, was priceless. Yes, he was proud of me again, and you could see it in his eyes. When I saw the magazine I was speechless. Andy Brouwer, Blogger, Author, and Writer, texted me and said that the cover is, “Very posh.”
The photoshoot was held at Raffles Hotel Le Royal on December 17, 2011. The hotel is located in the heart of Phnom Penh, and was first established in 1929, with clienteles ranging from backpackers, journalists, to distinguished royalty. This grand historic hotel has undergone restoration and refurbishment, and now fulfills all the requirements of a modern world-class hotel.
Travel & Leisure magazine rated it as the “Top 50 Hotels in Asia, World’s Best Awards”, from 2006-2008, as well as “Award of Excellence”-Wine Spectator Award in 2007. Exuding an old world charm through its distinctive style, the art director and photo editor decided that Raffles would be the location for the cover shot of the January 2012 issue.
My cousins, Nikko and Bijou, who are my uncle, Prince Sisowath Sirirath kids, participated in the photoshoot. Uncle Nan, as I call him, was a proud papa and uncle, as he was beaming with joy throughout the entire shoot. My other cousins, Sisowath Vic, Norodom Narithipong and his wife, Ermine, and Sisowath Chivannariddh and his wife, Phala, were also interviewed.
The cover story focuses on the lifestyles of young royals in Cambodia. Interviewed by Michael Sloan, the story profiles our current status in Cambodia and our ambitions and attitudes towards the Cambodian monarchy, both as a family and an institution. Less than 30 countries in the world represents kingdoms and monarchs, and Cambodia is one of them.
Managing Editor, Ellie Dyer, stated in her editorial, “We’ve also talked to some of the most respected people in Cambodian society, members of the royal family, about their lives in Cambodia, the palace, and abroad. In a country with such rich history and traditions, their views provide a wonderful insight into life at the heart of the Kingdom.”
Arlene, my friend and consultant, and my cousin, Bong La (who made the red dress), and her daughter were also present at the photoshoot. Bong La also made the gold dress for my photoshoot at the Royal Palace, which was featured in the July 2011 issue of Southeast Asia Globe magazine.
We were asked to bring 2 outfits; one formal and one representing our style and personality. The gold belt for my formal attire was not finished. My niece helped me get dressed as my cousin sewed the belt onto the dress, and Arlene took pictures of this momentous occasion, and also re-curled my hair, as the hairstylist did not do a good job earlier. This was a team effort, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State, would agree that “it takes a village” to make me look pretty.
The photoshoot took about 3 hours, and I was ready to get some food in my stomach. I didn’t eat the night before and earlier that morning, as a few pounds can make a difference in a photo. Can you imagine doing this fulltime? I couldn’t do it, since I would have to give up food, especially delicious, high calorie food.
AsiaLIFE magazine was distributed throughout hotels, coffee shops, cafes and restaurants in Phnom Penh. A grand portrait of Her Royal Highness Norodom Buppha Devi, Cambodia’s most legendary classical dancer, daughter of former King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk, half sister of current King of Cambodia, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, mother of Sisowath Vic, as well as our beautiful aunt, provided a majestic backdrop for the shot.
Special thanks to Ellie Dyer, Managing Editor, April Hunt, Art Director/Designer, Michael Sloan, Writer, and Dylan Walker, Photo Editor, for an opportunity to be a cover model. But most important of all, listening to what we have to say, as we represent the young generations of the Royal Family, the Norodoms and the Sisowaths, and will likely carry on the tradition of the royal monarchy in Cambodia.
Filed under: Soma Norodom
Soma, Arlene, and Vattey celebrating New Years at NagaWorld
Real M&Ms candies on a real gingerbread house at NagaWorld
NagaWorld still had beautiful holiday decorations for us to enjoy
The Royal Rebel of Cambodia has new plans for 2012
Outside NagaWorld, a live musical concert was held, and fireworks began at midnight to ring in the New Year for 2012
Happy New Year Cambodia! xoxo Arlene, Vattey, Reaksmey, and Soma
Soma, Arlene, and Vattey enjoyed the great fireworks and now heading to the next venue: Memphis Bar, by the riverfront, to watch a popular, local band perform
The beginning of the new year in Cambodia is a big event, especially this year. Prime Minister, Hun Sen, announced that Cambodia will be ringing in New Year’s Eve by the sea, which will be in Sihanoukville, not Phnom Penh.
Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the First Sea Festival was held in Sihanoukville, the beach destination of Cambodia. More than half of the population attended this event, including my friends, PUC faculty and staff, as well as Mike, from Mike’s Burgers.
I had several opportunities to attend the New Year’s Eve celebration in Sihanoukville, but chose not to. Why didn’t I go? Just like what the editor of Southeast Asia Globe Magazine nicknamed me, “the Royal Rebel with a good cause”. Being called a rebel is not considered negative. I am an individual, and this is what makes me stand out from above the rest. Just because everybody is doing it, doesn’t mean I have to go along, and I didn’t. I have always been a leader, and never a follower.
My New Year’s Eve celebration was in my hometown, and birthplace, and the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. The riverfront area, Diamond Island, and NagaWorld were packed with tourists, locals, and people who wanted to ring in the new year in Phnom Penh, the best city in the country.
Earlier that day, I hung out with dad and made his favorite snack, grilled cheese sandwich. Later that evening, I celebrated the new year with my good friend and consultant, Arlene, who decided not to go out of town. Also, Vattey and Reaksmey, whom I both met when I was filming the Malaysian movie this past summer, joined me on New Year’s Eve.
Hanging out at NagaWorld to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve was the plan. This was Arlene and my first time watching fireworks on New Years Eve in Cambodia, and I was not disappointed. The fireworks were amazing, just like during the Fourth of July celebrations in the U.S.
I always like to get dressed up on New Year’s Eve and go somewhere special with friends. Can you picture getting all dressed up, hair and makeup done, and walking on the beach, with high heels? I can go to the beach anytime. Remember, I grew up in California, the beach state. I prefer to stay indoors for New Years, and that’s what I did.
NagaWorld was the destination of choice for my New Year’s Eve celebration. This is an exquisite, 5-star hotel, with a casino, spa, restaurants, karaoke rooms, dance clubs, and more than 500 luxurious rooms and suites, located in the heart of Phnom Penh.
According to legend, the name, NagaWorld, came from the mythical story of a 7-headed dragon or “Naga”. The dragon was believed to be residing in the rivers and guarding the entrance to Phnom Penh. The Naga was only seen during the appearance of a rainbow, and was considered a symbol of good luck, new beginnings, and prosperity. This was why I chose NagaWorld, as my future plans in Cambodia will be revealed and implemented in twenty twelve.
First item on the agenda of 2012: train the new hires to replace me as PUC Radio Talk Show Host, Station Manager, and Media Manager. Yes, it will take 3 people to fulfill my job responsibilities.
Second item on the agenda for 2012: get a new job.
Third item on the agenda for 2012: get married?
Have a healthy, prosperous, and successful New Year!
Filed under: Soma Norodom
(Left to right) Soma with Dr. Nancy Beavan, Archaeologist, and Suwanna Gauntlett, Founder and CEO of Wildlife Alliance, appeared on PUC Radio, last show of 2011
The past 16 months working at PUC Radio Talk Show has been an exciting roller coaster ride. But like all good things, they must come to an end. On December 27th, I interviewed the last guest speaker(s) for 2011, and at the end of the show, announced that I will be leaving PUC Radio Talk Show in 2012.
Dr. Nancy Beavan, Archaeologist, and Suwanna Gauntlett, from the Wildlife Alliance, made the last show of the year so inspirational that this was the right moment to announce my early retirement, from radio. PUC Radio Talk Show Advisory Board Members and my team were aware of my plan to leave no later than the spring of 2012, but nobody was aware of my decision to announce it live on-air, that evening.
Founding Father of the university, Dr. Kol Pheng, gave me his blessing to continue on with my career outside PUC. He predicted that in a year, the show would be a success, I would be a star, and leave PUC. His forecast was almost accurate, except, it has already been a year and a half, and I’m still here.
This was his goal right from the beginning, as he is a mentor to future leaders of Cambodia, and has been grooming me to follow his path. “PUC is just a stepping stone, and we are always supportive of our members pursuing other opportunities to better your career, life, and the country,” expressed Dr. Kol. “The doors of opportunities have now open for you. Take it and challenge yourself on another project and teach our young generation the skills that you have learned, as this is what a leader is all about.”
It will take at least 6 months to train the new person for the positions of Radio Talk Show Host, Manager of the radio team, and Media Manager for PUC. I have fulfilled these roles successfully, and now PUC will be hiring three people to replace me. The interview process began last month, and by February, we will announce the new PUC Radio Talk Show Host. The manager positions have been appointed by Dr. Kol Pheng a few weeks ago. The new host will interview me as I switch hats from a host to a guest speaker on my last day at Pannasastra University of Cambodia. Stay tuned.
Now back to the interview.
Dr. Nancy Beavan received her Bachelor’s degree in Geography in 1989, and later her Master’s degree in Social Work, with an emphasis on Social Research and Evaluation from Columbia University. Dr. Nancy later pursued her Ph.D degree at the University of Christchurch in New Zealand and received her Ph.D in Zoology in 2001.
She has worked as a laboratory technician in countries such as Switzerland and New Zealand, and also served as the United Nations NGO representative for Defense for Children International-Advocacy and monitoring of the development and ratification of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Dr. Nancy has written journals, articles, and publications on radiocarbon ages of rat, the human skeleton, and archaeology. Currently, she is a Senior Research fellow, Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology Otago School of Medical Sciences, at the University of Otago. Dr. Nancy is originally from Rhode Island, and has dual citizenships in the U.S. and New Zealand.
Ms. Suwanna Gauntlett is the Founder and CEO of Wildlife Alliance, which provides direct protection to tropical forest and endangered wildlife. The main focus is to stop deforestation in the tropical belt.
For the last ten years, Suwanna has been working in Cambodia to stop deforestation of the Cardamom Mountain Range, one of the last standing rain forest in Southeast Asia, and it is one of only seven remaining elephant corridors of Asia. With a maximum elevation of 1,770 meters, the Cardamom Mountains in southwestern Cambodia spans an area of 4,420,000 hectares.
Before working in Cambodia, Suwanna saved the Siberian tiger from extinction, when only about 100 were remaining in Russia Far East. She is a recipient of the Gold Medal, given to her by Prime Minister, Hun Sen, for the conservation of the Cardamom Mountains. Suwanna is originally from San Francisco, California, and her family currently resides there.
At the beginning of the interview, the guests enjoyed delicious burgers from Mike’s Burger Place. Dr. Nancy and Suwanna heard about the fabulous burgers, but haven’t tried them, until that evening. Hey, it’s the last show of the year, and why not celebrate with Mike’s Burgers. Sweets and desserts were enjoyed by our guests and also my staff.
Dr. Nancy is very passionate about her work in the preservation of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Located on a remote jungle ledge in the Cardamom Mountains, are mysterious burial jars and log coffins, filled with human skeletal remains, dating back between 1440-1630 AD. Dr. Nancy and the team have been pursuing this project for eight years, without any financial support, except one year when she received the Australian Research Grant to support the field work. On January 4, 2012, Dr. Nancy and the team will be on another field work, surveying 70 more ceramic jars. I hope Dr. Nancy does accomplish her goal in preserving Cambodia’s cultural heritage.
Suwanna and her organization, Wildlife Alliance, has been working with the Cambodian Ministry of Environment to save the endangered species in the Cardamom Mountains. The species includes birds, reptiles, amphibians, elephants, tigers, clouded leopards, the Asian sun bear and black bear, pleated gibbons, and Siamese crocodiles. As of this year, Wildlife Alliance have rescued 102 animals from being extinct.
I asked the two guest speakers the last question of the night; what is your New Year’s resolution? Suwanna’s answer was to continue the conservation preservation in Cambodia, and to go out on more dates next year. I agreed with her and want to go out on more dates as well in 2012. Dr. Nancy couldn’t think of an answer, as she mentioned that she doesn’t do New Year’s resolution.
I answered my own question by thanking my team for a great job, and for making PUC Radio Talk Show a success, as December 12th marked the show’s one year anniversary on air. I also wished them continued success, and I announced that I will be leaving PUC Radio Talk Show next year.
Dr. Nancy was shocked and flabbergasted. But then she realized the reason for my decision to leave the show, and just smiled. The message throughout the interview was about following your dream and doing something you are passionate about. “Continue to follow your dream, and be passionate of what you believe in. Don’t stop until you make it, even when no one believes in your dream,” stated Dr. Nancy.
Dr. Kol Pheng was the only person who believed that I could launch the very first educational, university, English-speaking, radio talk show in the country. Many were skeptical and didn’t think that I, a woman, and also, someone who grew up in the U.S., who has never lived in Cambodia, who didn’t know the language, or the culture, could accomplish such an impossible task. Several have tried, but never succeeded. In addition, his critics stated that an educational, English-speaking radio program will not be successful in Cambodia, because it is boring, and nobody will listen.
He never gave up on his vision, and continued on with his search to find the right person. On June 26, 2010, I arrived in Cambodia, and destiny stepped in. PUC Radio Talk Show became the first, educational, university, English-speaking, radio program in the country, with listenerships in 6 provinces and the capital city of Phnom Penh.
I don’t know what my next job will be in 2012, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity that was given to me by Dr. Kol Pheng, former Minister of Education of Cambodia. It has changed my life forever.
After my announcement on-air, supporters of PUC Radio Talk Show commented on FACEBOOK.
Dear Princess Soma, we will miss you a lot. Thank you so much for achieving a great job bring dialogues among professionals, students, and English speaking public together. Amazing!
(Ana Nov)
Oh that’s sad! we will truly miss you but this will give another chance to have opportunity to others and explore more outside the box! Where is the Princess going? My best wishes to Princess Soma and her next challenge where ever would that be.
(Elma Placido)
You will be greatly missed but know that you will be successful in helping Cambodia! You will be missed on PUC Radio, but I know you will be successful at whatever you do dear!! Thank you for serving Cambodia and making a difference! Love you Soma!
(Robin Flanagan)
All the best HRH Soma. You have done a great job starting your show, and like anything other people always need to step up and rise to new heights. I wish you all the best for 2012 and new adventures!!!
(Aaron Watson)
Merry Christmas from California (Left to right) says Sothavy a.k.a. Nick, Norindra, and Tana. Back: Ty and Seda. Not pictured: Norapong
The holidays are tough in Cambodia especially Christmas, as it is too far to travel to the U.S. for a week or so to see family and friends. This will be my second Christmas without my family, and even Seda this year. Adjusting to my new life in Cambodia includes moments like this, when it’s hard not to feel depressed and lonely. The holidays is not always a joyous occasion, especially for those living overseas. But as I always managed to do, is to make the best out of what I have.
I decided to invite my father’s nieces and their kids to come over and celebrate Christmas at our place. They prepared a special Vietnamese dish for my father called banh hoi, a rice vermicelli noodle, bundled into a flat rectangle, and eaten with meat, like pork, and fresh vegetables, like lettuce, cucumbers and bean sprouts, and herbs, like basil and shiso, and dripped with fish sauce. I ate rice with my favorite Khmer food; mango salad with shrimp and dried fish.
I have planned a special surprise for my father after our Christmas lunch. He will be able to see and talk to his kids and grandkids in California through Skype. Microsoft, a network for Skype, allows users to communicate by voice, video, and instant messaging over the Internet, also known as the internet phone.
It was after 12 noon in Cambodia, which is 9:30 pm in California, and Seda called to let me know that they are ready to be on Skype. I couldn’t get my Skype to work, as I found out later, I had to re-install Skype on my computer again. A half hour later, it’s showtime!
My father was so happy to see his kids. He didn’t recognize his granddaughter, Norindra, as she is a big girl now. Also, my father asked if my little sister, Nick, wears glasses. He mentioned that Ty, his grandson’s hair, is long and straight. My father asked where my brother, Norapong, was. ”He’s on his way to L.A. and will be here in two more hours,” said Seda.
For half an hour, my father just smiled, and was happy at this moment. He thanked them for the Christmas gift, which was cash, and wished them a Merry Christmas. He hasn’t seen them for over 2 years, and Skyping was as close as being there. Thank you Microsoft, for the best gift this Christmas for my father.
Merry Christmas to my family and friends back home in the U.S.
Filed under: Soma Norodom
Dana Langlois, owner of Java Cafe & Gallery
Jan Cornall performing her comedic and musical act
(Left) Sophia Chhoeng and her friends enjoying the Body Poetry at Java Cafe & Gallery
Soma with her friends, Kai Park and Steven Path, outside Java Cafe to watch the eclipse of the moon that night
My friends and I spent this past Saturday evening hanging out at Java Café & Gallery to watch the entertaining performances of Philip Heijmans and Christopher Crawford. They were hosts of Body Poetry night, and it was an evening of enjoyment and relaxation.
Australian author, Jan Cornall, was in attendance as well. Jan has been travelling, performing and collaborating in Southeast Asia since 2002. Her Bali based novel, “Take Me To Paradise”, was launched at the Ubud Writers Festival in 2006, along with her jazz poetry CD.
The highlight of the night was a poet named Kosal. He expressed himself through a combination of rap style rhythm and powerful words about his past experience in California, where he was in detention, or jail, for 14 years, and now he is back in Cambodia. Kosal was deported from the U.S., and his spoken words tugged at our hearts. Kosal was appreciative of his freedom to live, but most of all, the freedom to speak. This act received the thumbs up of the night, and if he is back at Java, you can guarantee my friends and I will be back.
I also had the opportunity to say hello to my former guest speaker on PUC Radio Talk Show, Ms. Dana Langlois, and introduced her to my friends, and also the photographer from LEBOOST, who was out shooting pictures of events in the city. Java Café & Gallery was established by Dana in 2000 as a combination café and art gallery to support the growth of a dynamic art scene in Cambodia.
Through exhibitions, forums, presentations and collaborations, local artists have had opportunities to develop and exhibit their masterpieces and work with visiting artists. With selection of coffees, teas and muffins, salads, sandwiches, fajitas and breakfasts, and desserts to choose from, Java Café & Gallery is a favorite local hangout.
Photos by Visal of LEBOOST.
Filed under: Soma Norodom
Soma before the interview with Glen Felgate, GM for CTN and MYTV
Soma with Glen Felgate, the pioneer of Cambodian broadcasting industry
Soma with Glen Felgate, GM of CTN, #1 television channel in Cambodia
On December 8, 2011 I had the opportunity to interview an icon of Cambodian broadcasting, Mr. Glen Felgate, General Manager of CTN (Cambodian Television Network). With a name like Glen Felgate, I know he is not Khmer, and as a courious journalist, my first question would be; “How did you get the opportunity to create CTN, the #1 television channel in the country, and you are not Khmer.”
Mr. Glen Felgate is British, and has traveled and lived around the world. His father was in the oil business and Glen was able to study in the U.S., at the University of San Francisco, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications in 1986. In 1993, Glen studied at Highbury College of Technology, in Portsmouth, UK, and received the National Council for the training of Broadcast Journalists Diploma (NCTBJ).
Glen Felgate’s CV is as impressive as a former guest speaker I interviewed last summer, Mr. Ralph Begleiter, former CNN World Correspondent. From his early career as a radio reporter, producer, presenter for BBC local radio and VOA (Voice of America), Glen later worked for Reuters in London. From 1993-2000, Glen was a Senior Producer and Intake Editor, and worked alongside some of media’s biggest names like Nic Robertson and Martin Bell. He has interviewed political leaders including United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid, Palentinian Chairman Yasser Arafat, Israeli President Shimon Peres, and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
The opportunity to create a new television network in Cambodia came in 2002, when Glen was working as a Producer for ESPN & STAR in Singapore. At that time, Mr. Kit Meng, a businessman who established Mobitel, a mobile telecom service, had an idea to launch the very first terrestrial UHF television service in Cambodia. This unknown territory of a new television station would make Glen Felgate accomplished a goal few have tackled and succeeded, and make a name for Kit Meng, now a household name and Cambodia’s richest entrepreneur.
In March 2003, CTN launched in Cambodia and its programming consists of entertainment, educational programmes, documentaries, dramas, sports, and concerts. Today, CTN is the most popular television station in Cambodia, and the 10 other television stations have followed in the style and formats of CTN. During the interview, my comment about the other tv stations mimicking CTN would be considered a form of flattery, and Glen, who was modest, said it was better for the viewers as their competitions have risen up to the standards of good entertainment.
Targeting the younger audience, as Cambodia’s population of adults under the age of 25 is over 60 percent, CTN launched its sister channel, MYTV, in January 2008. MYTV is a commercial-free-to-air television channel aimed primarily music programmes and local teen dramas and educational documentaries. “CTN’s popularity is such that we have had to turn away commercial bookings because of limitations on our air time. MYTV will play a dual role of catering to a demand for new programming from the youth as well as advertisers trying to reach that particular market,” stated Felgate.
CTN is a mass-market television station, while MYTV is the first terrestrial television channel aimed at a niche market. Many listeners anticipated the interview of Glen Felgate that we had questions the day before for him posted from FACEBOOK fans. Several listeners wanted more educational programs from CTN, and one listener asked about the influence of Korean pop stars and their music on young Cambodians, and how this might affect the Khmer culture. Korean music videos and the pop singers are a phenomenon in Asia, especially Cambodia. Glen stated that CTN is not here to change the Cambodian culture, as the wave of K-Pop is all around us. This is what the viewers want to watch, and the reason why CTN is popular, is because they give the viewers programmings requested by them. Another popular types of programs are the Chinese and Korean dramas. This is kind of like the soap operas in the U.S., very addictive. I concur.
After the interview, Glen and I chatted for an hour talking about the media in Cambodia. As a journalist, Glen and I have a lot in common. He initially was only suppose to be in Cambodia for a year, and now it has been 10 years. Time flies when you are having fun, and doing something worthwhile here in Cambodia. Glen Felgate is a pioneer of the Cambodian broadcast industry, and I hope to cross paths with Glen in the future.
Filed under: Soma Norodom
Soma was the MC for Big Apple KTV Family in Phnom Penh
Big Apple KTV Family is in a great location, next to Sorya Mall, with parking, and walking distance to Central Market
Soma conversing with guests with her signature microphone, during the grand opening ceremony
Soma interviewing Cambodian actress, Duch Sophea, one of the guests at the Big Apple KTV Family Grand Opening Ceremony
Soma interviewing legendary Cambodian actress, Dy Saveth, her dad's favorite actress, in front of a live crowd
Flowers delivered throughout the day for the owners of Big Apple KTV Family, first family style karaoke place in town
Karaoke is one of Asia’s favorite pastimes. In fact, the original inventor of the karaoke machine is Japanese, but a Filipino businessman, Robert del Rosario, takes credit for the invention, as he remembered to patent it. Cities ranging from Taipei, Jarkarta, Manila, Hanoi, to Hong Kong, karaoke, or KTV, is very popular among the people, and Phnom Penh is no exception.
On December 2, 2011, the first family style karaoke place opened up in Phnom Penh, and I had the honor to be the Master of Ceremony for its grand opening. With so many karaoke bars throughout the city, Big Apple KTV Family is unique in its format. They welcome families and friends to sing karaoke songs in their 26 rooms facility, located right next to Sorya Mall. Many typical karaoke bars features sexy girls and usually popular in the late evenings with men as the majority of the customers. Big Apple KTV Family is focusing on a family atmosphere, where friends, colleagues, and family members can go and enjoy many hours of singing their favorite tunes.
Big Apple KTV Family is open daily, from 9:00 am-2:00 am. From 9:00 am-6:00 pm, the cost is only $3.00 per person, and includes two free soft drinks, and free room charge. The hours from 6:00 pm-2:00 am, the fee is $4.00 per person, and includes 2 free soft drinks, and free room charge. With a student I.D., you will receive $1.00 discount.
Upstairs are 26 rooms for karaoke, and downstairs is a mini-mart where guests can purchase food and drinks to go upstairs, or they can order food from a menu, and it will be delivered to their karaoke rooms. For beers, like Angkor Beer, it is only $0.90, and Heineken is $1.40, one of the cheapest places to purchase beer. Overall, the food is delicious and affordable.
In addition, birthday packages are available at Big Apple KTV Family. With a minimum of 8 people for a birthday party, the group will receive a birthday cake for free. For a party of 10 people or more, the group will receive a medium sized birthday cake for free. For a party of 17 people or more, a large birthday cake is free. All you have to do is show your I.D.
Big Apple KTV Family promotes a fun atmosphere where guests can enjoy hours of karaoke at an affordable price. Mariam and I will be going during our lunchtime to Big Apple KTV Family to relax, sing, and eat a delicious meal.
Big Apple KTV Family is located No.40-42, Street 67, Phnom Penh (Behind Sorya Super Market). For more information, call (855-023) 988 966.
Filed under: Soma Norodom
Todd and Robin Flanagan and friends enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at their home in Phnom Penh
Turkey, the main course
Thanksgiving dinner included; turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, cranberry, green beans, sweet potatoes, cornbread, deviled eggs, and boneless hot wings!
Dad and Soma enjoying a great Thanksgiving dinner with loving friends
Todd and Robin Flanagan are from Georgia, U.S.A.
Can't forget about the desserts!
Thanksgiving is an annual holiday in America, and families get together and feast on the main course, the turkey. Many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in Cambodia by going out of town. My friend Steven and Amy Austermiller, and their beautiful kids, are in Kep, one of the most beautiful resort town, a province on Cambodia’s southern coast. I spent Thanksgiving with my dad at my friend, Todd and Robin Flanagan’s home, enjoying a delicious meal of the traditional American turkey dinner, with a special southern surprise dish.
Todd and Robin Flanagan and their kids and I met at the old Mike’s Burger Place. We bonded instantly, and it was like fate stepped in. Robin overheard me talk to my cousin about the U.S. and I used words like “awesome” and “frickin” which brought back memories of America to her, not to mention that I used to live in Atlanta, and they are from the peach state of Georgia. That day, Robin felt homesick and hearing me talk helped her ease this emotional feeling of missing home and family in the U.S. They are Christian missionaries and are here to help the people of Cambodia. The Flanagans have a loving heart, and it was no surprise that they opened up their beautiful home on Thanksgiving to my dad, my friends Arlene and Mariam, and her son James, and their neighbor and family.
The Thanksgiving dinner was prepared by Robin and her neighbor friend, Caroline. There were mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry, macaroni and cheese, green beans, deviled eggs, sweet potatoe pies, chocolate cakes, pumpkin cookies with cream cheese filling, cornbread, and of course, turkey. Robin knew I missed hot wings from Atlanta, so she made a special dish, the (boneless chicken) hot wings, just for me. Mariam loved the sweet tea, as it is best known in the southern region of the U.S. This was good ole southern cooking and most of all, southern hospitality.
Before dinner, Todd said a prayer for all of us, and everybody had a chance to talk and tell what they are thankful about on this Thanksgiving evening. When it was my dad’s turn to speak, as he almost started weeping, Arlene and I became emotional, and we had tears in our eyes, listening to his speech.
I am thankful to be able to celebrate this Thanksgiving with my dad, and my friends, and new friends. The last couple of Thanksgiving I never had the opportunity to spend it with family, and always with new faces. I was referring to living in Atlanta and couldn’t spend Thanksgiving in California with my family, but help served over 100,000 Thanksgiving dinners in Atlanta as a volunteer for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. Nevertheless, it was a rewarding experience, and this is what Thanksgiving is all about.
This special occasion was to celebrate Thanksgiving, which is an important holiday for many of us. Todd and Robin have invited me to dinner on several occasions, but I have not had the chance to actually sit down and eat their home cooked meals. They are going back to the states, to Georgia, in mid-December, and will return back to Cambodia next fall, after their daughter, Ashley, graduates from high school. Ashley will be staying in Georgia attending college.
After a wonderful dinner and great conversations about Georgia, sports, and Cambodia, we quickly watched the movie that I was in called, “Madea Goes To Jail”, a Hollywood box office movie by Tyler Perry, who also lives in Atlanta. Robin is a big fan of Tyler Perry movies, and have seen this movie many times. We fast forward the movie to scenes where I appeared in, and we all laughed and Robin even took pictures of the scenes, displayed on the big screen t.v.
It was after 9:00pm, and it was past my father’s bedtime, and we went home before the other guests. My dad has dialysis early in the morning and he was getting tired, because he ate so much food, including dessert. I had two servings of sweet potatoes, one during dinner, and one for dessert. My dad and I enjoyed the evening with the Flanagans and their friends, along with Arlene, Mariam, and James. This was an evening to celebrate a part of the American culture, embrace new friendships, and cherished memories in Cambodia which will last forever.
I was feeling homesick earlier, but eating the hot wings helped a little. Thank you Todd, Robin, and family, for a wonderful Thanksgiving in Cambodia.
Happy Thanksgiving to my family and friends in the U.S.
Filed under: Soma Norodom
Dengue Fever, California based band, rocked Diamond Island in Phnom Penh
(Left to right) Leakhena, Soma, Jasmin and Vattey arriving at Diamond Island to watch Dengue Fever
Andy Brouwer and the girls before the concert
Soma with Chantelle and Keith
Cambodian Living Arts dancers performing before the concert
Soma dancing to the music of the 1960s Cambodian rock performed by Dengue Fever
Soma witth Jasmin
Chhom Nimol, lead singer of Dengue Fever, was born in Battambang, Cambodia, and grew up in Long Beach, California
We got Dengue Fever!
Dengue Fever is a disease that is caused by mosquitos, and in Cambodia, you can catch this, if you’re not careful. But I am not talking about this virus disease, but the hottest Cambodian band in the world.
Founded by Ethan Holtzman and his brother, Zac, Dengue Fever, comprised of 6 members, from Los Angeles, California, and plays Cambodian rock, rock, psychedelic, surf, and indie music. While on a backpacking trip to Cambodia in 1997, Ethan was inspired and decided to form the band with his brother. The other members includes; David Ralicke, brass and woodwinds, Paul Smith, drums, and Senon Williams, bass. The search for a singer led the brothers to Cambodia Town, Long Beach, California.
Chhom Nimol, a Cambodian-American singer, did not accept the offer to be the lead singer, but later did. Chhom Nimol is a talented and beautiful singer, and I had the opportunity to meet her at Riverhouse’ 11th Anniversary Party. Today, Dengue Fever is reviving the 1960s Cambodian music, style, and culture, and rocking all over the world, including Chhom Nimol’s homeland of Cambodia.
Dengue Fever was in Cambodia for the Electric Mekong Tour, a 3 weeks tour of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh. With a grant from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and as part of the U.S. Arts Envoy Programme, Dengue Fever had the opportunity to visit Cambodia for the third time.
The concert was held at Diamond Island on November 19, 2011, and also to benefit Cambodian Living Arts. My friends and I spent our Friday night listening and dancing to the music of the 60s Cambodian rock and finally caught the fever…Dengue Fever!
