Top 7 Things to Do in Cambodia

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It's usually Thailand and Indonesia that get all the attention in South East Asia, but Cambodia is slowly and surely taking over the spotlight. Located on the Mekong River and surrounded by jungle, this is the home of the Khmer people famous for their optimistic nature.

Ancient temples, magical beaches, elephant sanctuaries, and many more attractions waiting for visitors here. But although it's not a huge country, you still need some kind of plan for the best things to do in Cambodia.

 
Survey coral reefs near Samraong

One of the most popular activities in Cambodia is diving considering the rich marine life. However, if you want to join a volunteer abroad program and have a non-tourist experience, come to Samraong to survey the coral reef. This rural village is secluded from tourists and offers genuine immersion into the Khmer culture and language.

Besides learning and upgrading your diving skills, you can join community projects that will help the area grow economically and ecologically. If volunteer work is something you are interested in, Cambodia offers several options besides surveying the coral reef, like mangrove environmental conservation and teaching.

 
Wait for sunrise at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park where you can learn a lot about Khmer history. The area is one of the most recognizable in South East Asia with millions of tourists visiting it every year. Besides the gorgeous temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon, you can admire Indian architecture and its depiction of Buddhism.

However, even with all those amazing things, the number one reason people come here is the sunrise. You have to come early to catch the best seat, but it's worth it, especially in March and September during the equinoxes. At these times, the sun comes up above Angkor Wat’s central tower creating a sight to behold.

 



Visit an animal-free circus Phare in Siem Reap

Phare the Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap tells folklore stories through theatre, music, dancing, and of course acrobatics. All performances come from the non-profit Phare Ponleu Selpak School, while all funds from tickets go to help youth education. What makes this circus show even more great is the fact they don’t use animals in their performances.

Since Phare has nightly shows, it's a perfect way to finish your busy day of sightseeing in Cambodia. The reputation of a legitimate national act gathers quite an audience every day so you might want to get your tickets beforehand.

 
Go up to the temples of Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear is a remote temple located in the Dangrek Mountains at 625 meters in elevation. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and has been a pilgrimage route for centuries now. Unfortunately, the temple is the cause of tension between Thailand and Cambodia, some that even lead to armed conflicts.

Because of its elevation, you can go to the temple by motorcycle or 4WD truck for a fee, as well as arrange for an English-speaking guide. The road up is bumpy and if the ride makes you nervous, it might be best to finish the last mile on foot.

 
Go dolphin-watching on the Mekong River

The Mekong River is a great spot for kayaking and coming across endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. These mammals live close to Kratie, in the Kampi dolphin pool and a kayak will take you to them over flooded forest terrain.

Not many tourists come here because it's remote and in the middle of nothing else to see unless you plan to travel to Laos. However, the dolphin-watching experience is reason enough, considering it's a rare opportunity to observe these unique creatures in a lifetime.

Learn to prepare Cambodian dishes

Khmer cuisine is equally exquisite as famous ones coming from Vietnam and Thailand. Since chances are you didn’t have any opportunity to encounter national Cambodian dishes, taking a cooking class is a wonderful way to do it. You will learn to make teuk trey or fish sauce and prahok a fish paste, which will undoubtedly impress people back home.

On the other hand, if you are more interested in eating than cooking, you will find lots of great places to try Cambodian cuisine, like at the night markets. Beware if you are a picky eater since insects dominate most of the dishes and are considered a delicacy. Wild crickets, beetles, worms, and other creepy crawlies are commonly served at these markets, as well as scorpions and snails. However, dishes like amok and nom banh chok are an insect-free and delicious display of tastes of this Southeastern country.

 
Hike in the Kep National Park

The Kep National Park is ideal to meet the wilder side of Cambodia by hiking among its forests and wildlife. It takes approximately 3 hours to finish a trail, but make sure you are done before dark since there are no lights in the park. When planning a hike, pack enough water and snacks, as well as a mosquito repellent, and wear enclosed shoes.

While the park has rich wildlife, chances are the animals will keep away from you with occasional insects, lizards, toads, and birds that may cross your way. From Wat Samot Raingsei temple you can proceed to the Sunset Rock Viewpoint with an amazing view over the Kep Beach and Kep Crab market.

 
All in all

As you see, the best things to do in Cambodia include learning about its culture and offering a helping hand to the friendly Khmer community. Even though it’s not overrun by tourists like its neighbors, Cambodia is gaining popularity, promising to become one of the IN places to visit in South East Asia. So, it may be wise to travel here in the next couple of years if you want to avoid crowds.

Hapag ng Pamana the Concert

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Sa Hapag ng Pamana, may salu-salo na, may awitan at sayawan pa! 

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the richness and diversity of Filipino cuisine with Hapag ng Pamana the Concert happening at the Open Air Auditorium, Rizal Park Luneta. 

Food stalls, workshops, and cooking demonstrations led by various agencies and organizations will open at 2:00 PM in different venues within Luneta and the concert will highlight Philippine gastronomic customs through cultural performances. It also aims to give tribute to farmers, agricultural communities, fisherfolks, rural workers, and indigenous peoples' culinary traditions. 

Hapag ng Pamana the Concert is part of the month-long celebration of Filipino Food Month led by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Department of Agriculture - Philippines, Department of Tourism - Philippines, and Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, and is being celebrated this year with the theme "Pagkaing Sailing Atin, Mahalin at Pagyamanin." 

This Sunday, we bring you delightful performances highlighting Filipino creativity, culture, and cuisine with Hapag ng Pamana the Concert at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium!

Join us at 2PM for Food Stalls and Demonstrations and the Concert proper at 6PM with performances from Ms. Bayang Barrios, Ang Naliyagan, Far Easter University Chorale, La Salle Filipiniana Dance Company, Malabon Theatre and Dance Collective, Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild, Philippine Opera Company's Harana and Ms. Kakki Teodoro.

Hapag ng Pamana the Concert is made possible in partnership with the National Parks Development Committee and is a component of the month-long celebration of Filipino Food Month led by the Department of Agriculture - Philippines, the NCCA, the Department of Tourism - Philippines, and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement. 

#FFM2023 is being celebrated this year with the theme "Pagkaing Sariling Atin, Mahalin at Pagyamanin.”

#PreseveFilipinoFood #BuwanNgKalutongFilipino

Celebrate Filipino food this April!

Pregnancy Photoshoot Poses for a Stunning Maternity Shoot

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




It's crucial to strike a stance that makes you feel confident and at ease when having your picture taken while pregnant. A skilled photographer will walk you through the steps and assist you in selecting the ideal posture for your physical characteristics and personality. You can take breathtaking pregnancy photos that you will treasure forever with the proper pose and the appropriate photographer. Maternity photo sessions are the ideal method to document this special time in a woman's life because pregnancy is such a lovely and transformational experience. But it might be hard to know how to posture and what to wear. Therefore, here are some of the most amazing pregnancy picture positions that will make you look and feel fantastic.
Embrace your bump

Emphasizing the baby belly is the first and most crucial component of a maternity photo shoot. This is, after all, the major objective of the shoot! Stand with your back to the camera and wrap your hands around your belly for a gorgeous pregnancy photo. This position highlights your curves and reveals your developing baby bump. Try out several stances and perspectives to determine which one is the most aesthetically pleasing for you. To add diversity to your photos, consider tilting your head, turning your face away from the camera, or grinning.
Sitting poses

A comfortable and natural method to pose for a pregnancy photo shoot is while sitting. You can cross your legs and put your hands on your knees when sitting on a stool or chair, or you can do both. This position is ideal for displaying your stomach while fostering a calm and cozy ambiance. Also, you can experiment with lighting and angles to provide a distinctive appearance. To achieve a dramatic impression, you might, for instance, try facing the camera, gazing over to the side, or having the camera shoot from a low angle.
Lying down poses

Poses that involve lying down are ideal for fostering a calm, private mood. You can lay on your side with your hands on your belly or cradle your growing baby. These positions are perfect for capturing heartfelt exchanges between you and your infant. Also, you can explore with various props like your partner's arms, a soft blanket, or a fluffy rug. These accessories give the photos a cozy, intimate feel and a more unique feel.
Movement poses

Movement poses can add a dynamic element to your maternity shoot. You can walk toward the camera, twirl around, or even dance. These poses are perfect for capturing the joy and excitement of pregnancy and getting the best pregnancy portraits for preserving memories. You can also experiment with different clothing options such as a flowing dress or a long skirt to add movement to your shots. With these poses, it's important to find a balance between natural movement and staged poses. The goal is to create a genuine moment that captures your emotions and personality.
Outdoor poses

Your maternity shoot can have a lovely, natural setting thanks to outdoor postures. You can experiment with various stances at a venue like a park, beach, or garden. You can stroll barefoot in the grass, rest on a seat, or lean against a tree. These positions are ideal for capturing the splendor of the outdoors and fostering a calm, peaceful environment. Lighting is crucial for poses taken outside. The golden hour, or just before sunset, offers gentle, flattering light that brings out your inherent beauty. Natural scenery also gives your photographs depth and richness.
Group poses

A terrific approach to include your partner and other family members in your maternity photo session is through group poses. By taking pictures with your significant other, kids, or even pets, you may foster a caring and pleasant environment. These positions give your pregnancy photos a unique flair and produce memories you'll treasure forever. To capture the tie and connection between you and your loved ones, try holding hands, giving hugs, or even just playing together.
Props and accessories

Your maternity photo shoot can be given a unique and customized touch with the use of props and accessories. You can bring along things like baby shoes, images from an ultrasound, or even a chalkboard with the due date of your child. These accessories make your shots richer and more meaningful while also fostering a more distinctive experience. To create a distinctive and fashionable style, you can also experiment with other clothing alternatives like a maxi dress, a flowing skirt, or even a crop top.
Black and white photography

For maternity photographs, black and white photography is a timeless and traditional choice. It produces a dramatic, melancholy impact that highlights your curves and gives your images more depth. Also, the absence of distractions in black-and-white photography highlights feelings and facial expressions. It's an excellent method to capture the allure and soul of pregnancy and produce gorgeous images that will last a lifetime.
Indoor poses

Your maternity photo shoot will have a warm and pleasant ambiance thanks to indoor postures. You can play with different poses in a variety of settings, including your bedroom, nursery, or even a studio. You can lean against a wall, stand by a window, or even sit on a bed. These positions are ideal for capturing the coziness and warmth of your house and producing a unique and memorable experience.
Maternity boudoir photography

Boudoir maternity photography is a sensual and private way to document your pregnancy experience. These images emphasize the tenderness and beauty of pregnancy while evoking an opulent and refined ambiance. You can try different stances like lying down, sitting, or even standing while wearing lingerie or a sheer garment. These poses draw attention to your contours and produce a beautiful and empowering image.

A maternity photo session is a lovely and special way to commemorate your pregnancy experience. You may produce great photographs that showcase your personality and sense of style by playing with various positions, accessories, and settings. Make sure the photographer you select is familiar with your vision and aesthetic, and don't be afraid to be innovative and try new approaches. The most crucial thing is to document this unique period of time in your life and produce memories that you and your family may treasure for a lifetime.