Apr 22 2006

Fun Facts Pinoys May Want to Know About Cambodia

Published by Toe at 2:55 pm under Cambodia, Philippines

Here are some fun (showbiz) things Pinoys may want to know about Cambodia:

1. The first Philippine ambassador to Phnom Penh is the 50s movie heart throb Rogelio de la Rosa. That was way back in 1965. Rumor has it that he made quite good friends with then King Norodom Sihanouk and even taught him the song “Dahil sa ‘Yo.” Some oldtimers in the markets of Phnom Penh (those who survived the Khmer Rouge era) say that Ambassador de la Rosa was very handsome and they thought that all Filipino men look like hispanic mestizos.

2. The teleserye “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” was broadcasted here in Cambodia with Khmer dubbing. If you go to the market during noon, you’ll see all the vendors tuned in to Jericho Rosales speaking in a high-pitched Khmer voice. The teleserye was so popular that many Cambodian babies are named “Angelo.” Right now, Cambodian channels are broadcasting “It Might Be You: with John Lloyd and Bea Lucero. I guess the new babies would now be called Lawrence.

3. Christian Bautista is quite popular in Cambodia as Filipino DJs play his music on Love FM every weekend.

4. As early as the 19th century, Cambodian royalty has gone to the Philippines to bring Filipino musicians to Cambodia. Here’s an excerpt about the trip of King Norodom to, I believe, Bulacan:

In 1872, His Majesty went on an official visit to Hong Kong, Manila, and Singapore. In Manila, the King was greatly impressed by the music skills of the Filipinos and decided to take some musicians back to Cambodia to teach modern music. The musicians were well received, and in due course also influenced Cambodian classical dancing.
- The Royal House of Cambodia by Julio A. Jeldres

Uh, that’s about it. On one hand, the above. On the other hand, no movie houses, no malls, no McDonald’s, no Starbucks… :(

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15 responses so far

15 Responses to “Fun Facts Pinoys May Want to Know About Cambodia”

  1. # Anonymouson 22 Apr 2006 at 4:17 pm

    Hmm, interesting. We are “closer” to Cambodia than we think;) – Ajay

  2. # snglguyon 22 Apr 2006 at 6:28 pm

    Geez, that sucks. What do you do in your spare time then? Other than checking out the ancient ruins of course…

    Oh btw, hope you won’t mind my linkng you. :-)

  3. # nicehearton 23 Apr 2006 at 9:21 am

    I guess I can live without McDonald’s and movie houses. I seldom go to either anyway. Magastos ka siguro sa DVD ano? But without malls, where do you buy clothes, shoes, etc?

  4. # Sidneyon 23 Apr 2006 at 10:21 am

    Interesting facts !

  5. # Toeon 23 Apr 2006 at 11:46 am

    Ajay, di yata ako papayag na “malapit” tayo sa Cambodia. :) Pag pumunta ka dito mejo bibilib ka talaga sa husay ng Pinoy… kc mejo malayo pa sila sa atin. ;)

    Snglguy, that’s why I learned how to blog. At least we have DSL. Of course I don’t mind you linking me. I appreciate it very much. We’ll exchange ha. :)

    Niceheart, I didn’t really go to McDonald’s much when I was in Manila. But when I moved here, I just hated the fact that there’s no McDonald’s… for emergency, you know. And we don’t have much DVDs either because originals are simply NOT AVAILABLE. All DVDs here are pirated. :( When I go to Manila or Bangkok (about once a year only), I have to do all my shopping for clothes, shoes, books, DVDs, etc.. I also go for medical and dental check-up in Manila and not here.

    Sidney, you’re right. I may whine about Cambodia, but this is indeed a very interesting place and our experiences here (especially for work) are priceless.

  6. # snglguyon 23 Apr 2006 at 11:56 am

    Well, having a DSL connection more than makes up for the lack of ‘facilities’. I would rather have a computer and a broadband connection too if I were stuck in a place like Cambodia…. :-)

  7. # Abanikoon 23 Apr 2006 at 2:49 pm

    What about bars? I think I can’t live in a place without bars. Hehe.

  8. # Toeon 23 Apr 2006 at 2:51 pm

    Yup, Snglguy! :) It’s not so bad really. You also get to appreciate the Philippines despite the pollution and the traffic, etc..

  9. # Toeon 23 Apr 2006 at 3:53 pm

    Abaniko, plenty of bars! :) Bars are frequented by the NGO community, backpackers, and other expats. But no San Miguel! Their beer is called Angkor Beer. You will survive! :)

  10. # Annon 23 Apr 2006 at 6:31 pm

    Hello Toe! Di pala pwede mga kids ko ryan, walang Mcdo. I have a friend working there NGO rin, Wildaid yung company I think.

    Link kita ha?

  11. # Toeon 24 Apr 2006 at 9:05 am

    Hi Ann! Yes. Kawawa mga bata dito. :) I know someone from WildAid. Thanks for visiting. I’ll link you too. :)

  12. # tin-tinon 01 May 2006 at 8:53 am

    hahaha. sobrang interesting ng facts mo ha. i didn’t know international stars na pala sila jericho. don’t worry about mcdo. at least healthy living ka :)

  13. # your momon 03 Oct 2006 at 5:38 am

    HAHAHAHAHA YOUR FACE!

  14. # havengoeron 26 Mar 2008 at 5:05 pm

    wow, these facts are amazing :D

  15. # Toeon 27 Mar 2008 at 7:39 pm

    Havengoer, cool no? With Rogelio dela Rosa, I guess we had the most good-looking ambassador then. :)

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