Makara may be the next Mr. Siem Reap!

By Courtney Ridgel

Our very own Makara is competing in the Mr. Siem Reap 2017 competition, sponsored by Barcode Siem Reap!  Makara has made it as one of the top 5 finalists in the semifinals on October 15^th and will be competing in the final round on Saturday, October 22nd!

Makara Put was born in Kok Chork village, right in front of Angkor Wat. He was the first of his siblings to finish high school and the first person in his village to finish university.  From a young age Makara, has worked very hard to support himself and his family, taking jobs as a construction worker, gardener and electrician in during school vacations. After high school, he spent three months studying English and then he secured a job as a waiter in a restaurant in downtown Siem Reap, eventually being promoted to manager. It was during that time that he saw an advertisement regarding scholarships from Journeys Within Our Community and decided to apply in hopes of one day attending university and was accepted.  During his fourth year at the South East Asia University he was hired at the Journeys Within Boutique Hotel as a Front Desk Manager, and since then graduated with a degree in Business Management.  Makara is now our Country Director for Cambodia.

In his free time Makara continues to volunteer with mentoring, education and fitness programs, and coaches a children’s basketball team.  His goal is to become a model and actor, and already his career is taking off!  He modeled a new fashion line for Muoy Chorm Fashion in downtown Siem Reap.  He made his film debut in the Angkor Pearl Hotel’s new commercial.

Makara – you are a wonderful person, a leader in the community and an all-around great guy and all of us at Journeys Within just wanted to say, “Good Luck!”  We are all cheering for you in your endeavors!