Soma Norodom's Blog

Left to Right: Aaron, Soma, Brad, Laura, Laura, and Rodrigo, at Raffles Le Royal Hotel, for the wedding of Alexander and Leakhena

Leakhena walking down the aisle with her father, His Excellency, Mr. Naren Cheth

The Royal Ballroom, at Raffles Le Royal Hotel, where the reception was held

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Darroch

Soma with Aaron and Leakhena’s mother, Lok Chumteav, Sokannary Chhan

Soma with her girlfriend, Grace

The bride and groom arriving to the reception at the Royal Ballroom

Soma with Leakhena, her mother and sister, Jenny

Soma and her date, Aaron Watson, one of her best friends

The wedding of my friend, Leakhena, and her fiancé, Alex took place on May 9, 2012 at the premier hotel in Phnom Penh, Raffles Le Royal Hotel. This special occasion was also a holiday, as it was the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, marking the traditional beginning of the rice growing season. Also, called Farmer’s Day, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony is presided by the Monarch, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, a ritual to honor the rain god, and to ensure a good harvest for the country.

Due to the status of the family (Leakhena’s dad, His Excellency, Mr. Naren Cheth, is a former Ambassador of Cambodia), attending a wedding like this takes lots of preparation. The most important question(s) is: what am I going to wear, and who am I bringing to the wedding? Several of my girlfriends have been preparing for this wedding for over a month, and so have I, and the day finally arrived.

Despite the rain in the afternoon, the wedding of Alexander Philip David Darroch and Leakhena Chan Cheth was beautiful and grandiose. The ceremony and reception were both held at Raffles Le Royal Hotel, as this was a Christian wedding, and not a Khmer traditional wedding. The ceremony was initially scheduled at the pool area, but was moved indoors, due to the rain. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony earlier prayed for rain, and it sure worked. The reception was held at the Royal Ballroom, and the wedding was everything I pictured, pure elegance.

When my date, Aaron Watson, and I arrived at the hotel, the first people to greet us were Alex, the Best Man, and later, Leakhena’s mother, Lok Chumteav, Sokannary Chhan. She was so excited to finally meet me, as Leakhena have told her so much about me, but it  was my royal background which provided the VIP treatment throughout the wedding. Thanks to Leakhena’s parents, I met many high ranking officials and ambassadors, as I was introduced as, “Her Royal Highness”. I was honored to meet them as one day I will be one of the leaders of Cambodia. Leakhena’s mother placed me at the front VIP table, with the Ambassador of India, His Excellency, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sachdeva, delegates from Indonesia, an official from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, and the groom’s mother, Mrs. Sandra Cobden, as well as the Best Man. I wanted to sit with my fun-loving, wild, friends, but Leakhena’s mother insisted, which this time I accepted her invitation. Earlier, I didn’t move to the front row for the wedding ceremony, and sat with my friends toward the back.

The menu consisted of; cold chicken with baby pok choy, French onion soup, stir-fried scallops with green peppercorns, steamed dory fish filet with soya sauce, roasted duck with Chinese wine, braised mushroom variety & vegetables, Chinese style fried rice with marinated pork, and tropical fruits cut. The food was phenomenal, as people will always remember the menu at a wedding, especially when it is delicious.

Throughout the evening, I was busy taking pictures with the guests, requested by Leakhena’s parents. Aaron was such a great date, as he was by himself alot, but kept himself busy mingling with a few of the guests. He understands my status, especially at a grand wedding like this. I was able to spend time with him during the dancing, as we danced to Khmer and American music, performed by both a Khmer and Filipino band. He was the right choice, as my closest friends approved of him, and he was also an excellent photographer. The elegant night ended at Riverhouse Lounge, on the waterfront, as he and I enjoyed sweets after the wedding; ice-cream and a martini, 3 parts Vodka with a splash of passion fruit (that’s what his FACEBOOK read).

Soma with her friend, Leakhena

Soma with her cousin, Prince Norodom Buddhapong

Soma with the Phnom Penh Post staff, the event organizer

I attended my second “The Finishing Post” cocktail reception on April 27, 2012. Hosted by the Phnom Penh Post, The Finishing Post is a monthly exclusive business networking event dedicated to promoting commerce in Cambodia. In addition, companies who advertise in the Phnom Penh Post are automatically on the VIP list, as S. Ram and M. Ram Resources Limited is one of them.

Held at a stylish Cuban villa, known as The Latin Quarter, The Finishing Post was filled with business elites, entrepreneurs, and sponsors, as this was the place to be on this Friday night in Phnom Penh. The Latin Quarter serves delicious appetizers and entrees such as tapas, Spanish chorizo, crispy pork salad, Mexican prawn ceviche, to the tender and succulent duck breast with caramelised onions.

The last several months I have been very busy promoting Bollywood and S. Ram and M. Ram Resources Limited. As their Public Relations Director, attending the Finishing Post is one of many job responsibilities for the Indian investment firm. My boss always jokes (and sometimes he is serious) is that he wants to see more “PR” for S. Ram and M. Ram Resources. Well, boss, the only press coverage that the company will get is when I make an appearance at a public event (and I’m serious). I made the papers on Monday, April 30, 2012.

I brought my assistant, Somnia, to The Finishing Post. She has never been to an event in town, as she has a family and doesn’t go out in the evenings. Last week I invited her to attend an event for TEDx Phnom Penh, at Meta House, and she had a wonderful time. I mentioned that this is work related and she should try to attend, and also, delicious food and drinks. With the blessing from her mother, Somnia attended her first cocktail party in Phnom Penh, and it was everything she imagined, and more.

It was also a time to reunite with friends, as I was invited by my friend and supporter, Stuart Becker, formerly Special Reports Editor, now Group Business Editor for the Phnom Penh Post. Stuart was one of the co-host at my birthday celebration, and also an exceptional journalist and writer. Many of the guests at the Finishing Post attended my birthday last October, like my cousin, Prince Norodom Buddhapong, Peter Brongers, former CEO of Kingdom Breweries, now working for the Ministry of Tourism, Paul Popelier, Country Manager for Coca-Cola (one of the sponsors), Kevin Britten, CEO of Top Recruitment Cambodia (one of the sponsors), and my good friend, Leakhena Cheth.

Leakhena was delivering her wedding invitations that evening and wanted to meet up with me, so I suggested The Latin Quarter. She did not expect to stay as she used to attend The Finishing Post when she was the Marketing Manager for Canadia Bank. We chatted about her future wedding to her fiancé, Alex, which will be on May 9^th at Raffles Le Royal Hotel. This is going to be the wedding of 2012 as Leakhena’s father was a former ambassador for Cambodia, and he has many friends who are influential like ministers in the country, who will be attending the wedding. My dilemmas; what will I be wearing, and who will I be bringing to this grand occasion?

Also with me were two of my girlfriends, Sophea and Vattey. The Finishing Post was one of three events that we attended this evening. As a media celebrity and socialite in Cambodia, I get invited to many events in town. Despite my hectic schedule, I will make time to attend several, sometimes a few in one night. This is called “PR Time Management”, and the secret is to drink lots of coffee.

Off to the next party…

Soma and her friends in the front row listening and later dancing to hip-hop, old school music played by Grandmaster Flash, the pioneer of hip-hop djing

GMF played to a packed house at Pontoon Night Club in Phnom Penh

Backward motion touching of the vinyl, called the Quick Mix Theory, was developed by GMF

The crowd enjoying a Wednesday night in Phnom Penh

Flash making the letter "C" for Cambodia

Anida, Hat, and Sophea, all grew up in the U.S., are big fans of GMF

The Royal Rebel and the Global Agitator wished you guys were here in the Penh

Growing up in South Bronx of New York, Grandmaster Flash began his DJ career in the 1970s. Born in Barbados in the Caribbean, in1958, Joseph Saddler, a.k.a. Flash, experimented with the vinyl record by moving it forward, counter clockwise and backward motion, which later became known as the Quick Mix Theory. These techniques allows the DJ to make music by touching the record which revolutionized music, and the sound of hip-hop was born.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five introduced hi-hop Djing  and became the first hip-hop group to ever be inducted in the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame. Flash is a recipient of awards and honors which includes; VH1 Hip Hop Honors, the Lifetime Achievement Award for RIAA, the Bill Gates Vanguard Award, and the Icon Award from BET in honor of his contribution to hip-hop as a DJ.

Today, Flash host a weekly show on Sirius Radio called “The Flash Mash on Hot Jams 50.” He has played for audiences at the Super Bowl and Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. On April 25, 2012, the pioneer of hip-hop, DJing, cutting, and mixing, played to a packed crowd at Pontoon Night Club. My friends and I danced for 2 hours to old school, hip-hop music til 2:00 am, and were a part of music history in Cambodia.

tweet from Flash:

DJFlash4eva: I’m in Cambodia now hanging with the Top Dog promoter and Club Owner I’m told it’s gonna be Bigg tonight

Chhung Hearn, host of Khmer Talks, introducing Soma as the first guest speaker

Soma talking about her experiences in the U.S. and sharing knowledge and ideas to the young generations in Cambodia

Khmer Talks 2012 featured 10 guest speakers which included Soma, at Zaman University, in Phnom Penh

The future leaders of Cambodia
Left to right: Chhung Hearn, Soma Norodom, Thul Rithy, and Sithen Sum

Khmer Talks is a sharing of ideas presented in the Khmer language by Khmer scholars, thinkers, achievers, and students of all ages and generations. On April 1, 2012, I spoke in Khmer in front of several hundred students at Zaman University, in Phnom Penh, on the topic: The Creation of PUC Radio Talk Show.

Khmer Talks consists of volunteer groups with members who live and study around the world, working collaboratively on the Internet, and meeting locally. The group was organized by several Cambodian entrepreneurs to promote a culture of sharing in Cambodian society. Several members like Sithen Sum, Kounila Keo, Thul Rithy, and Prum Seila have been active in recent events in the community such as FilmCAMpKH 2012.

Khmer Talks cover important topics touching both personal and professional life, and believes that through working together, they can be a part of building knowledge resources for Cambodia. Through sharing, Khmer Talks hope to promote ideas and create opportunities for scholarly thinking, personal achievement, and business success.

Khmer Talks 2012 Guest Speakers included; Tith Chandara, Sok Yeng, Prum Seila, Sophak Chim, Sopheak Chheng, Neang Sovathana, Tep Livina, Phearun Kuch, and Chhay Bora.

This experience made me think about the future of Cambodia. We have to share our knowledge and skills that we have learned living and studying overseas. The young people in Cambodia are curious and want to learn from us. Giving money is not the answer to rebuilding Cambodia, it’s the sharing of ideas which will help our country progress. Knowledge is power!

Special thanks to the Khmer Talks organizers, and especially to Kounila Keo, Sithen Sum, Thul Rithy, and the host, Chhung Hearn. They are the future of Cambodia and on their way to greatness.

Left to right: Theary Seng, Dana Langlois, Anida Yoeu Ali, and Soma Norodom; powerful and outspoken women of Cambodia

Anida Yoeu Ali, of Studio Revolt, was the writer and director of "My Asian Americana" video

Kosal Khiev, Prince Sisowath Nikko, and Soma

"My Asian Americana" video star and crew, with Soma and Dana Langlois

On Monday April 2, 2012, the Phnom Penh Arts Community in collaboration with Khmer Exiled Americans, hosted “Champions of Change, Too” award ceremony at Java Café & Gallery. The event honored “My Asian Americana”, a video created by Studio Revolt, as the 2012 Winner of the Public Vote for the White House “What’s Your Story” Video Challenge Contest.

Java Café & Gallery transformed into a White House award ceremony and invited guests included the winners, local artists, concerned citizens, and dignitaries. I was invited by Anida Yoeu Ali, of Studio Revolt, to preside over the ceremony and present the awards to the recipients of the video. It was an honorable task, which I spoke on behalf of the returnees, and told my story about life as a refugee, and being teased and picked on in California, USA, in 1975.

White House officials have refused to acknowledge “My Asian Americana” as the official contest winners despite the video winning the highest public vote. During the event, Anida Yoeu Ali disclosed details regarding the White House’s mishandling of the contest and the administration’s attempt to silence the issue of deportations. The controversial topic not only affects the individual, but it also affects their families and friends.

The awards were presented to Vanna Sann, which Teia Rogers accepted in his behalf, Vinh Dao, Ryan Tong, Sokha Chhim, Phyrak Khun, Kosal Khiev, Thea Som, Masahiro Sugano, who was the ghost director, editor, and cinematographer, Phanna ”Peanut” Nam, the music producer, and last but not least, the writer, director, and White House Agitator, Anida Yoeu Ali.

On Wednesday, the Phnom Penh Post featured the article, written by Diana Montaño, about the award ceremony honoring the video, “My Asian Americana.” Special thanks to Dana Langlois of Java Café & Gallery, and staff, and to the woman who is known as the “Global Agitator”, Anida Yoeu Ali, for making this event possible. Thank you for giving the opportunity for our Cambodian Americans to have a VOICE, which nobody can strip away.

Flyer for FilmCAMpKH for Soma's speaking engagement

Soma with Chy Sila, owner of Sabay (sponsor of event), PizzaWorld, BBWorld, Cineplex, and more and Sisopheak Siet, Managing Director of Active Event Management, before the guest speaker presentation

Soma with Cambodian legendary film actress, Dy Saveth, and filmmaker, Peng Phan

Soma talking about the Bollywood movie coming this summer which will be filmed in Cambodia

Soma talking about headshots during her presentation

Soma asking her friend, Tony re-al, to do a skit during her presentation

Soma with attendees from Cambodian Children's Fund, her favorite organization

Soma and her friends at MetaHouse for La Reine' fashion show

On March 24, 2012, I had an opportunity to educate and train the young generations of film lovers and filmmakers when I was selected as a Guest Speaker for FilmCAMpKH 2012. This was the first year of FilmCAMpKH, as it has been successfully held in Laos and Singapore, and finally made its debut in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

FilmCAMpKH is a one-day workshop where film lovers and filmmakers meet. FilmCAMpKH is also an event for the future of filmmaking in Cambodia as well as other countries. Regionally known as an independent event, FilmCAMpKH provides a platform for everyone to express their ideas via video or any form of media.

The hottest film topic is Bollywood. My presentation was one of the most popular sessions at this year’s FilmCAMpKH. Students and film lovers attended the presentation on the topic: How to Prepare for an Audition/Casting Call for Bollywood Movie Coming Summer 2012.

The 30-minutes presentation included; building a professional acting resume, types of headshots producers look for, tips on a successful audition, as well as the process of a Hollywood/Bollywood style audition, which I had my friend, Tony Re-al, do an impromptu skit, which became the highlight of the presentation. It was a comedic scene about how to conduct yourself at a Hollywood/Bollywood audition. A hilarious, entertaining, and informational presentation by the talented and future Bollywood star, Mr. Tony Re-al.

Other guest speakers at FilmCAMpKH includes; Cambodian 60′s actress Dy Saveth, filmmakers  Todd Brown, Heng Chulsa, Peter Ristau, Ingo Hoffman, Mariam Arthur, Michael Bade, Amit Dubey, Tram Greenfirefly, Jay Johnson, Douglas DeMarco Chhay Bora, and Sok Visal.

FilmCAMpKH ended with a performance by one of my favorite band, Cambodian Space Project, but I was not able to attend. It was off to Meta House for a fashion show by La Reine and J Tone Media with my friends. We enjoyed the remaining hours of my Saturday night eating a late night meal of “chicken” at Golden Boss.

Soma being interviewed by Phoenix Jay, the editor of the Advisor, a weeky arts and entertainment weekly in Phnom Penh, at the Red Apron, Wine and Lifestyle Lounge

Soma and her friends, and Anthony Galloway (orange scarf guy), publisher of the Advisor and EAS, at Riverhouse' Velvet Nights Red Carpet VIP Party

Phoenix Jay, editor of the Advisor, is also the lead singer in an all female punk rock band

The photographer helping Soma with a Bollywood style pose for the front page story in the March 15-21 2012 issue of the Advisor

My career transition from PUC Radio to Bollywood is definitely a major change. Not only is it something I desire to do in life, but I’m following my passions in television and film. I have a college degree in this field, and to apply your educational experience to your job is worth all those years of staying up late and preparing for midterms and final exams, and finally, graduation. Now I write the next chapter in my book of life, and it starts out with an interview from the editor of the Advisor, Phnom Penh’s weekly arts and entertainment weekly, by the rebel herself, Phoenix Jay.

Published by Anthony Galloway, the Advisor is like the Rolling Stones magazine of Cambodia. Phoenix Jay met me at the Red Apron, Wine and Lifestyle Lounge, located on Street 240. Red Apron is a posh tasting lounge with over 300 imported labels for the wine connoisseurs. Upstairs is the “lifestyle lounge”, with its modern and chic look, and red, cozy, chairs throughout the room. I instantly fell in love with the place, especially the red chairs. This year I have decided to change my signature wardrobe color of black to red. The year 2012 is a transition and transformation year for many and for me as well.

I haven’t seen Phoenix Jay (a.k.a. Laura) since, well, two weeks ago, when she was jamming on stage with her punk rock band, at Sharky’s, the longest running rock n roll bar in Indochina. She was the former editor of South East Asia Globe magazine, and was responsible for my nickname, “Royal Rebel”. It was her birthday weekend, and several of my girlfriends went to watch her perform. Pictures from the performance will be in the upcoming April issue of Cambodia AsiaLIFE magazine, as Dylan Walker, photographer, was on hand to capture the moment.

The interview took about an hour and a half, with most of the time catching up with what’s been happening with our lives, and girl talk about “guys”. I also met Anthony Galloway, the publisher of the Advisor. I have heard about him, as he is the founder of EAS, Expat Advisory Services. EAS is an interactive site and advisory service showcasing life in South East Asia. It is a one stop information guide for expatriates, outlining the comings and goings, and general services of these cities. A few days after the interview, I bumped into Anthony at Riverhouse’ Velvet Nights Red Carpet VIP Party. Phnom Penh is a small city, and you are bound to see the movers and shakers in many events throughout town, and Anthony Galloway is one of them.

The front page article of the Advisor came out on Thursday, March 15, 2012, and of course, I had to give to my father first thing Friday morning when he was at dialysis. My father loved the photo of me portraying an Indian princess with a Bollywood-esque (Arabic style) pose. This time I was able to give the newspapers to all the staff at the dialysis clinic, and saved a few for my number one fan, my father!

The article titled, “Hello Bolly”, (mirroring the musical, Hello Dolly), talked about my new job responsibilities as the Public Relations Director for S. Ram and M. Ram Resources, an Indian investment firm, and as a member of the Management Team for Siren Media, the production company who will be filming the Bollywood movies in Cambodia starting this summer.

Excerpt from the article:

But India’s genetic imprint on the country has lingered – much of it a product of the Hindu rituals, idolatry and mythology that swept Southeast Asia from the fourth century AD. It was precisely this imprint that prompted Indian investment gurus at S. Ram and M. Ram Resources to open their first office in Phnom Penh on February 1. Siren Media, the firm’s motion picture production division, has already started work on what will be Cambodia’s first ever Bollywood release.

Masterminding the public face of the project is royal rebel HRH Princess Soma Norodom, who enjoyed a high-profile media career in the US, where she was raised, before returning to Cambodia in 2010 to care for her dying father. “The big boss at S. Ram and M. Ram Resources is a real history buff,” she said. “The firm saw the serenity and the beauty of the temples here and want to do a story about how Cambodia’s history is combined with Indian culture. The links between the two go way back.”

In addition, the article talked about FilmCAMpKH, a one-day workshop, on March 24th, as I will be one of several guest speakers for the country’s first film camp event. Kon Khmer Koun Khmer, translated as “Cambodian Films Cambodian Generations”, has been preparing for the introduction of the Film Camp concept in Cambodia after its successful reception in Laos and Singapore.

Aspiring actors and actresses will have the opportunity to prepare for the audition and casting call, organized by Siren Media, in late May, early June. I will give tips on building the professional, acting resume, the types of headshots that producers are looking for, and the process of a Hollywood/Bollywood audition and casting call. The American Idol style audition will be the first in Cambodia, and so will a Bollywood movie.

FilmCAMpkh will take place on Saturday, March 24, 2012, from 8-5pm, on the 6th Floor at Canadia Tower in Phnom Penh. The event is FREE, but advanced registration is required at the FilmCAMpkh website, www.filmcampkh.org.

It doesn’t get any better than this. Well, being a recipient of the Academy Awards (the Oscars), would definitely be the icing on the cake.

Amy Lee Sanford, Cambodian artist, sitting amid a circle of 40 Kompong Chhnang clay pots, will break and glue back together each clay pot over a period of 6 days, March 13-18, 2012 at Meta House in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Amy Lee Sanford was born in Cambodia and raised in the U.S. before 1975, and was adopted by a Swedish-American woman. Her father was living in Cambodia, and used to write to Amy and her mother often until April 17, 1975, when the Khmer Rouge Regime took over. Amy and her mother had to come to terms that her father was killed during the regime, as the letters stopped coming. A few years later, Amy’s mother died when she was just 15, and this was the turning point in her young life, as she was faced with emotions of trauma, loss, displacement, and guilt.

Co-produced by JavaArts, and with additional support by Meta House, I attended the opening day performance of Full Circle on March 13, 2012, from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Also in attendance were Anida Yoeu Ali (Global Agitator), and her husband, an elementary school with about 25 kids, and many art connoisseurs, as well as Dana Langlois of Java Arts and her staff, Nico Mesterharm of Meta House, his wife, and their beautiful, little girl.

Sitting inside a circle of 40 Kompong Chhnang (where her father is from) clay pots, Amy will break each pot and glue them back together over the six days durational performance from March 13-18, 2012, at Meta House, located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. After each pot is glued back together, Amy will use string to tie the pieces together, before returning the pot to the circle. Amy’s durational performance repetition of breaking and remaking brings to light the cycles of trauma, both personal and historical.

“Full Circle is a meditative and introspective performance, one that reflects the slow, complex process of mending and transforming. For Amy Lee Sanford, the physical and mental challenge of maintaining the concentration and patience to carry out the task is an integral part of the piece,” expressed Dana Langlois.

Amy Lee Sanford studied Visual Art at Brown University, with concentrated study in Engineering and Biology. She also studied ceramics at the Rhode Island School of Design, University of Massachusetts and Harvard. In 2005, Amy returned to Cambodia for the first time in 30 years in search of her family and heritage.

“Aiding the evolution of emotional stagnation and unburdening oneself from the past is the focus of my artwork. I create art in order to observe, examine and transform the lasting effects of war, including trauma, loss, displacement and guilt. Throughout this process, I have discovered movement masked by rigidity, simplicity within complexity and turbulence overlapping harmony. The process of making art helps me transform these universal aspects of life into a new vitality,” stated Amy Lee Sanford.

Many refugees go through the healing process differently. I am in the process of writing a biography about my father and the Royal Family of Cambodia, as this is my way of connecting with my heritage and history of my homeland. As for Amy, Full Circle is her portrayal of seeking to find out who she is, her family, and the history of her country, Cambodia. It’s about living life, and yes, it’s a ” Full Circle” when we do understand the meaning of life, and why we are back in Cambodia.

NOTE: No Photography during the performance

Soma celebrating International Women's Day at the luxurious Hotel Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

Left to right: Sophia, Chantelle, Soma, Bonne, Arlene, Aubrey, Boranin, and Samphors

International Women’s Day is March 8^th and this year I celebrated for the first time in Cambodia with my girlfriends. International Women’s Day is a celebration of love, respect, and appreciation of women. It is a combination of the holidays, Mother’s Day, and Valentine’s Day. Women throughout the world spent time with their girlfriends, family, and loved ones to embrace their beauty, wisdom, and life-giving capabilities. I spent it with my girlfriends indulging in our favorite pastime, eating!

 My friend, Boranin, made reservations at the luxurious Hotel Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra to celebrate International Women’s Day. The 5-Star hotel and restaurant was packed with women gathering together and enjoying a delicious buffet-style luncheon and celebrating their womanhood.

Early that morning, I sent emails to over 400 of my women contacts, and wished them a Happy Women’s Day. Below is the email:

Girlfriends,

“When women thrive, all of society benefits, and succeeding generations are given a better start in life.” (Kofi Annan)

 ”Without women in this world, the world would definitely be flat.” (Soma)

HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY!

Soma

Left to right: Vanessa, Soma, Tony, and Silvia enjoying the drinks and appetizers at Salon des créateurs

Christine Gauthier, designer for Waterlily

Lisa Mam and Peap Tarr, pioneers of street arts in Cambodia

Left to right: Peap Tarr, Lisa Mam, Lisa's mother, Lisa's brother, Vanessa (she bought a painting from them that night), and Soma

An opening reception for Salon des créateurs was held on March 2, 2012, on Street 178, a unique and elegant colonial mansion located in the heart of Phnom Penh. The French-Khmer villa was built around 1915, and now is the office of CityStar.

My friend, Silvia, invited me to attend the launch party to celebrate the arts in Cambodia. A group of artists from crafts, haute couture, and visual arts have come together to showcase their masterpieces inspired by the culture of the country and producing quality works of art.

Despite the warm and humid night, the event was fun as I met many people who I haven’t seen for awhile, ranging from royal family members to friends. I’ve been busy making the transition from PUC Radio to my new career, and have been out of the social scene for a few months. The food was fabulous, especially the bacon covered shrimp, which was a popular appetizer. I kept waiting for a refill of more shrimps on the platter trays, but there were none left, only chips, vegetables and fruits.

I finally met the last guest speaker on PUC Radio Talk Show, Ms. Christine Gauthier. My interns, Ratha and Linda, had the opportunity to be guest co-hosts that evening, and I felt like I knew her for awhile, having researched her life and bio for the show. In 1996, Christine decided to come to Cambodia with her children, and today, still loves her adopted country.

Since February 2002, Christine is the designer and owner of Waterlily, designer of unique fashion accessories with unusual material, recycled or diverted objects toys, in Cambodia. In love with Cambodia’s natural phenomena, Christine plays with her materials, immersing herself in her experiences, and fully lives her passion through the furious desire to interpret what is stored in her memory.

“Discovering flowers and trees and photographed details that have inspired original pieces, much as a painter might mix colors to give new life to a scene, an inspiration, images of what surround me and that I have kept in my heart. Works that are unique, or limited for others, designed and put together by hand, these pieces reflect the soul of Cambodia as I cherished the spirit of my memories,” stated Christine.

In addition, I had the chance to talk to Peap Tarr and his colleague, Lisa Mam. I met Peap Tarr last November at Remy Hou’ Fashion Show during Cambodia Fashion Week, and has been a fan of his artwork since. Their artwork displays an urban, hip-hop style, but with a tranquil mood. The signature color is black and white (my favorite colors), and their masterpieces have been displayed throughout Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh.

Samapeap Tarr, originally born in Auckland, New Zealand, now lives in Phnom Penh. Peap is a member of Army of Snipers, an international art collective originated in Hawaii and was created by his friend, Angry Woebots, a.k.a. Aaron Woes Martin. Peap Tarr and Angry Woebots recently completed a mural in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Lisa Mam is the first female street artist in Cambodia. That evening, I had the opportunity to meet her brother and her beautiful mother. Lisa is still in school and studying to become a dentist, which her brother is also doing. You can feel the love and support Lisa gets from her close-knit family, as this is rare for Khmers who want to pursue a career in the arts and entertainment industries. They reminded me of my close relationship with my father, as he has always been supportive of everything I do.

Salon des créateurs was a fun event, but it was getting really warm, and being outside was making me tired. So Silvia and I headed to the next venue, to meet up with my other friends, in an air-conditioned, new, French wine bar called Bouchon.