Cries from S21 Prison...down to the Killing Fields.

tiny,dark,filthy cells in S21 Prison

         
         Somehow I had read about the horrific plight of the victims in Pol Pot's regime,being at the actual sight where the atrocious crimes were executed was a far more different story.The tortures committed were unimaginable,you could almost hear the cries,moans and anguish of the unfortunate souls by barely looking at the cells and torture instruments.I could almost feel the horrible pains inflicted on them through the photos and paintings on its walls.Men,women,old and young were not spared,the cruelty and sadistic treatment they suffered was unbelievably gross!I could hardly breathe,while reading the captions of the photos,my sight suddenly went blurred with unshed tears.Strong emotions I couldn't decipher...dread,pity,anger..rolled into one.
        There was this one picture that astounded me,A mother holding her young child in her arms,while being tortured on an interrogation chair,like she was about to be electrocuted.I almost gasped in horror!Nothing more inhumane than that could anyone commit in a million lifetime!If I was horrified by just looking at the picture,what more can that pitiful mother felt?Her face was void of expression,to top it all,why did they make her look at the camera and pose for them with her young helpless child in her loving protective arms?!
         The devil was definitely glorified by the monstrosity committed in this prison!

          Most of the victims were professionals,artists and politicians,they were held in captivity for the sole reason,they were considered as threat to Pol Pot's regime.

Chao Ponhea High School turned S21 Prison

    "It is compulsory to preserve the archive evidence of the bloody regime and remember the oppression,anguish and suffering caused by "Khmer Rouge".Keeping the memory of the atrocities committed on Cambodian soil alive is the key to build a new strong and just state.Furthermore,making the crimes of the inhumane regime of Khmer Rouge public,plays crucial role in preventing new Pol Pot from emerging in the lands of Ankor or anywhere on Earth."

by:Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

actual photos of victims & torture gadgets

A Trip of Promise...

           Who could have thought that by visiting the historic lands of Vietnam & Cambodia,I would be with a young couple and be a witness to a love bound by a solemn promise.Despite the rocky road they're in ,both hold on to what they've shared twenty or more years ago...laughter and tears alike.

          Life sometimes plays real hard tricks on us...trials we thought impossible to win.So to win they aim,a bond so admirable for a young couple full of hope that they are.The trip renewed that promise..of never giving up on each other no matter what.Flaws and imperfections understood and accepted by a strong foundation they both fought hard to build in their young lives.

           Watching the both of them,made me realize that apart from Jesus being the center of a marriage,one should have that unconditional love.A love shared not only on sunny days,but on rainy days as well.Holding each other's hand,giving strength when the other is weak....
          I was amazed by their strong will,to protect and fight for a love blessed by two wonderful sons.Truly an oath in the eyes of men and God,no one in this world could ever break apart.
          Go my dears...walk hand in hand to the journey of life with Jesus Christ our merciful God,for He is the only way...to that illusive bliss,we fervently pray to achieve.

My most ecstatic ride!!!Ankor Wat,Cambodia

       

              The moment I saw the elephants,I couldn't wait to ride them!I bet my face glowed with pure joy like a child.I realized the joy in me was so transparent and infectious  that my fellow tourists were waving and smiling at me.It was one of a lifetime experience indeed!Imagine yourself in a most serene surrounding of temples,swamps and sprawling old trees...And you're riding high on an elephant,while the care taker cum driver was playing a  soothing tune through a leaf between his lips?What a wonderful ride!!!Whatever worries or stress I had flew with the winds on that most unforgettable,joyous moment.Nothing could have stopped me riding that lovable elephant on that oh so lovely morning of September breeze in  the land of the ancient temples.

"Ankor Wat Temples" Siem Reap,Cambodia

            If I thought I was dreaming when I was in Saigon,gazing at Ankor Wat Temples with my naked eyes, standing in awe at the exact sight was mystical for me.I almost didn't want to blink,as if I was taken back in antiquity.To an ancient world of kings and queens clad in their royal robes of gold and precious gems,monks' soft melodious prayers to their divine deities.And as I was wondering on its grounds,amongst its ruins,touching its centuries old walls,with various inscriptions and relics,I almost felt I was floating...transported back in time of Apsaras...dancing to the delight of their king and gods.As if I was in a fantasy world,a world of make believe..
             Then again I had to come back to reality and enjoy the majestic temples of ancient times.

              ANKOR WAT TEMPLE was built for the king Suryavarman 11 in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city.It is the world's largest religious building and the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation.Before it became Buddhist,it was first Hindu,dedicated to the god Vishnu.It was designed to represent Mt.Meru,home of the devas in Hindu mythology.The temple is known for its grandeur and harmony of its architecture,its extensive bas-reliefs,and for the numerous devatas (guardian spirits) adorning its walls.The modern name Ankor Wat means city temple..ankor:city/wat:temple.

(ref.-Wikipedia)

Ankor Wat Temple

         

         BAYON TEMPLE was built between 12th and 13th century as the state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman V11,it stands at Jayavarman's capital,Ankhor Thom.After King Jayavarman's death,Hindu and Theravada Buddhist kings modified and augmented it according to their religious references.Bayon's most destinct feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces of the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak.The temple is known also for its two impressive sets of bas-reliefs which represent an unusual combination of mythological,historical and mundane scenes.

(ref.-Wikipedia)

Bayon Temple

            TA PROHM TEMPLE is the modern name of a temple built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th century,originally called Rajahvihara.It was founded by King Jayavarman V11 as a Mahayana Buddhist's monastery and university.Unlike most Ankorian Temples,Ta Prohm has been left in much the same condition in which it was found.The photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Ankor's most popular temple.
(ref.-Wikipedia)

Ta Prohm Temple

Vietnam

           Never in my wildest dream...I would go places other than my own little world.I always said...why should I when I haven't visited yet all the beautiful sights here in my own land.Besides being a full pledged wife and mom to our three boys,I limited my interests to reading and eventually writing when my boys went off for their studies in Manila,a ten hour drive from our home.Not to mention monetary concerns,travelling is quite expensive.But God has ways to surprise us ...and surprise me He did!It was just like a wink of an eye!Before I knew it I was already flying to Vietnam!

Saigon'9/25/11

         When I had my first glimpse of Saigon from the tiny window of the plane..I didn't understand how I felt.As if I were a young girl so excited to see and feel the soil of an alien land.I thought the plane took forever to land,for us to finally touch the grounds of Saigon.
           When we finally landed and went about the airport routine,I was in a daze.The drive to our hotel seemed endless...I thought I was dreaming.
          I couldn't wait for the sunrise so I could see Saigon in daylight!So the moment we went out of our hotel for our sumptuous breakfast of noodles,yummy Vietnamese filled buns and the most wonderful coffee I ever tasted...my heart was pumping like a little girl receiving her first doll!My bright eyes were busy looking around and I bet my mouth was open too!For all I cared!I was walking and skipping along the parks and busy streets of Saigon,swarming with motorbikes.The Post Office was really grand and the Cathedral was magnificent!The parks were perfectly manicured with colorful flowers in bloom!
           I was overwhelmed by my new surrounding!I just saw pictures and read about those places in my books!On that joyous September morning,wonder of all wonders I was walking on its soil!!!What a loving god is my God!!!To grant me such a gift I never thought I could have...and mind you I never asked.

Ho Chi Minh City

             The next day,on our way to Cu Chi Tunnels we dropped by a factory of the arts and crafts of Vietnam.The workers/artists were mostly handicapped,their artistic talents and diligence were amazing!Looking at their crafts was truly a treat to my creative eyes!

arts & crafts of Vietnam

              Cu Chi Tunnels,was an underground revolutionary base of Cu Chi District Party,during the Anti American resistance.It was a good two or three hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City.Our tourist guide was articulate and delighted us with his sense of humor.At least we were cheerful before we learned the heart breaking history behind the tunnels.
             Cu Chi Tunnels showed me how the Vietcongs lived,fought,and suffered in their darkest times.Crawling underground where they hid gave me a vague picture on how they survived in such impossibly narrow,filthy,almost airless tunnels underground with no nourishment at all.Except boiled root crops and tasteless tea on rare occasions.They had to eat insects and rats for survival underground.But their struggles were gloriously rewarded,they fought unitedly and finally liberated their people against their enemies.It was a hard fought,victorious war indeed.

Cu Chi Tunnels

         On our third and last day in Vietnam we woke up early for our six hour drive to Cambodia.I was glad we didn't take the plane so I could see the country side and experience crossing the border and the Mekong River.
          Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich heritage,lush farmlands,wonderful art and culture.My three day stay was so short for me to explore it's beauty.

Vietnam/Cambodia border & Mekong River

A letter treasured in a chest...

taken in 1990-Baguio City

Feb.1,1990

     This is for you and I don't know if this is a poem or what,it just came out in order to let you know how I really feel.

To my dearest wife,

In my life you're here,though
I thought I'm lost.
Your thoughts were here...
to guide me and I'm looking back.
And when I seek,at last I found,
that my senses had been longing,
longing for something.

That indeed was still,
implanted in my deepest emotion.
And though it's yet..
out of my embrace.

This feeling that was then,
pure and gentle.
was laid down,and for a while overrun,
by confusions and sufferings.
this feelings that not until we've been apart..
I've never longed for it.

For in my life you're here...
the essence of your love,
in the midst of the night I kept.

Remember the tender moments
the laughters and tears...
I was always there..
to give you warmth and comfort.

For in my life..
no matter how much distance there is...
the thoughts of you will never be away.
coz in my life I love you so....

P.S.
       If ever you have the tape (Dire Straits) look for the song "Why Worry" it's a nice song.The tape doesn't have the title written on it so you can just listen to the lyrics.

Kid