Cambodian New Year 2010!

The entry way was lined with red ropes and valet waited to park guests’ cars.  The Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia (CAGP) was beginning their celebration of Khmer New Year at the Regal Ballroom on Oxford Avenue in North Philadelphia.  Guests were greeted at the front desk by CAGP’s staff and volunteers, and served a buffet style dinner.  Special guests included Philadelphia’s Mayor Michael Nutter and Dr. Evans, a longtime supporter of CAGP.  The night was hosted by Mr. Bunrath Math and Mrs. Nary Kith, the masters of ceremonies.  Ending remarks, thanking everyone who attended, were made of executive director, Rorng Sorn.

Entertainment for the night included the live band “The Golden Eagle,” and CAGP’s culture program provided classical Cambodian dance performances.  There was also a video, documenting the start of CAGP and how CAGP is currently helping those in the community presently.  The video was entitled “The CAGP Story,” and was made and edited by Vimul Ros and Sarun Chan (of Amara Philly Magazine).  The dances performed, respectively, were: Robaim Joun Por (The Wishing Dance), Robaim Tivea Propei (Glorious Day Dance), and Robaim Neary Chea Chour (Beautiful Girl Line Dance).  Each of the dances included all of the students from CAGP’s Sunday dance classes. 

At the end of the night, before the actual dancing started for the guests, they were treated to a fashion show and social dance performance.  The fashion show, which featured many volunteers , workers  and students from CAGP, provided the guests with a view of what traditional Cambodian outfits are worn during the new year celebration.  Immediately after the fashion show, nine students from CAGP’s culture program started their social dance performance.  The performance was a mixture of all different types of social dances commonly seen during the celebration of Cambodian New Year.  The only two boys, Kimsath Yin and Manny Son, in the dance showed the men how to “move it,” and the ladies (Dyliyah Heng, Cynthia Son, Sarah Noun, Kristine Thach, Linda Son, Trucly Thach, and I) showed the ladies how to “work it.”

Over all, the night was splendid.  Although the celebration was cut short due to an accident taken place, CAGP was really able to pull off a wonderful new year’s celebration.  My best wishes to the family affected by the accident. 
Special thanks to Koeun Chea and Putery Long for all of their efforts into making CAGP’s New Year celebration bigger and better.

Thank you to the Cambodian Association for another wonderful celebration of Cambodian New Year.  Thank you especially to the readers and supports of the Khmer Post (East Coast).  Best wishes, health and prosperity to all.

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