2018 San Diego Lao New Year
The sign proclaims Happy Lao New Year 2018 (Year of Buddah 2561). This sign is carried as part of the holiday parade following the temple monks and preceeding the community elders. Andrew's dad Robert is behind the young lady on the left.
Every year part of the Lao New Year cultural celebration includes a "Miss Lao San Diego" Pageant. There local contestants from Lao families compete in a beauty pageant where cash prizes are awarded for beauty, congeniality, friendship and photogenicity (yes that's at least a 10 point scrabble word).
2018 San Diego Lao New Year - Year of the Peacock
Every year one of the Lao traditional animals is chosen to represent Pi Mai (New Year). This year it is the peacock and Andrew's family created this beautiful representation of a peacock to adorn the float that will carry the 7 daughters of Kablinaphrom in the parade. More pictures to follow and don't miss the parade video.
Andrew Manisouk Artist, manager, director, costume designer, flower arranger, choreographer, dancer, keeper of the Lao Buddhist tradition and hearty volunteer.
Andrew Costumer
We call them MC Hammer pants but these Lao traditional 'panapteal' pants for men take a bit of practice to put them on correctly. Andrew gets a lot of 'help' requests for getting them just right. You will see many men wearing similar pants in many of our Lao New Year photos. The pants are fun but I generally have issue with the choice of shoes that are worn with them.
Andrew Manisouk, busy with preparations for the Wat Lao Buddharam temple parade, wears many hats at Lao New Year. Here he is with sister Tam who is holding her grand daughter Kira, of course we refer to Kira as Tam's niece whenever there are strangers around. Wink, wink.
Like Father Like Son
The Manisouks are a very close family with strong artistic abilities and a love of their Lao Heritage. Here is Andrew with his father Robert in pre-parade preparation. All around the Wat Lao Buddharam (temple) you see Manisouk artwork from the dragons that adorn the top of the temple roof to the peacock float and Kablinaphrom's cave.
Getting ready for the 'Bird Dance' Andrew mugs with his dancers. Manisouk costumes of course.
Kablinaphrom in the Cave - Pre Buddhist Tradition
Part of the Lao New Year (Pi Mai) celebration embraces the pre-Buddha mythology of Kablinaphrom. The tradition has Kablinaphrom's severed head kept in a cave and every Pi Mai his 7 daughters take his head out of the cave and parade him around and splash him with water to keep him cool. In the video you will see his image sitting on the peacock float with his 7 daughters.
Daughters Respect their Fathers - Pi Mai Tradition During Lao New Year children showing respect to their parents is a big part of the cultural festival. This is demonstrated by Kablinaphrom's daughters as they take their father from the cave, parade him around the temple, return him to the cave and wash him to cool his heat (see the Pi Mai story.
Peacock Float - A Manisouk Family Creation
Robert Manisouk and sons are the artistic force behind many of the Pi Mai decorations including this year's peacock float. It takes months to design, build. sculpt, paint and dress the float and that's just one of the many artistic endeavors the Manisouks take on every year.
Andrew's Mom, Dad and Friend in Celebration Mode
Wearing traditional Lao clothing is all the rage at Pi Mai and most Lao holidays. You see it throughout our holiday photos. In this shot Andrew's dad Robert opted out of the MC Hammer pants but sports a traditional silk jacket.
Miss Lao San Diego 2018 - Amity Khathyavong
Formerly Miss Lao New Year, the person of Miss Lao San Diego represents the San Diego Lao community all year long at a variety of functions. The sashes you see them wearing are hand made and embroidered by Andrew.
Andrew's Mom and Dad - Pillars of the Community
Phou and Robert Manisouk are loved and respected throughout the San Diego Lao Community and beyond. Modest and unassuming, they are at the forefront of community efforts to preserve the Lao heritage through art and culture and with the example they set with their fine family. Four generations living together with very little blood shed.
Andrew Readies the Dancers
Costume design and manufacturing - that's Andrew's thing. These girls are wearing Andrew's hand made skirts (sins) and capes, painstakingly hand painted and glittered for a special shimmer in the sunlight. I had to wear a hat for 17 nights while Andrew made costume magic.
Andrew with Miss Lao San Diego and her Court
Mugging for the cameras in front of Kablinaphrom's cave.
A Manisouk Family Portrait
From L>R
Front Row - Carol, Jenny, Aubrey, Bea with Kira
Back Row - Cory with Reilly, Tam, Chloe, Noi, Dad, Mom, Andrew and Van
Far Back - Buddha with his peacocks
