Spying on Neighbors

Spent a few minutes spying on neighbors with the Odo and Milo this afternoon. We live in quite a busy street. Conveniently tuck in the middle of the city, near Phsar Thmei (Central Market) and Confederation de la Russie (Russian Federation Boulevard); it's noisy and dusty, but you see a whole lot of interesting characters. With the Battambang taxi station to the South and Phsar Thmei to the West there is a lot of photo opportunities just a few steps away from home, but for a lazy day like this, all I had to do was walk out the balcony and watch the wonder unfold.

Out and About: Russian Market

I spent more than 3 days documenting markets in Phnom Penh for Cambodia Angkor Air's Inflight magazine, see the tear sheets from the magazine here.

What is a holiday in Cambodia without an exciting trip to a local market or two? Exploring the markets in and out Phnom Penh can be exhilarating and overwhelming at times - there is a vast array of items to be found, from fresh food and souvenir items to clothing and even getting nail art done.

The Russian Market, popularly known as Phsar Toul Tom Poung to locals, is a favourite to tourists and is possibly the best market in Phnom Penh to buy souvenirs. It might not look like much from the outside, but once you go in, you will find a treasure trove of antiques, beautifully hand-carved statues, colourful silk scarves, souvenir t-shirts. To the East you will find food stalls all lined up. Stop by Mr. Bounnareth's, and have some authentic Khmer iced coffee or espresso, dubbed as the best iced coffee in Phnom Penh. He has been giving both locals and foreigners their caffeine fix for the past 34 years.

The Great Affair is to Move

“What made you decide to move to Cambodia?” Hannah asked me over lunch today. And that made me realize that I’ve been giving everyone who asked the most generic of answers: “Why not? It’s a beautiful country, the people are wonderful,” I would often say. It’s been a year since my big move and I think it’s only fitting I talk about my reason for moving.

It’s still quite surreal to me to be living in Cambodia and be able to do what I love. Looking back at the past year when I first came to the Kingdom of Wonder, I was a tourist for three months and finally decided to buckle down and stay for good. I learned so much since then - about myself, about life, and what it’s like to be truly on your own.

Travelling isn’t just about being able to go places, meeting people, and experiencing a different culture, as cliché as it may sound, it’s a road to self-discovery and personal growth. Before I left the Philippines, I was the trust fund girl. I didn’t have to work a day in my life. Household chores were always done by somebody else, public transportation was improbable, and I have always been known as somebody’s daughter first and third, or maybe even fourth, as a photographer.

I was spoiled, yes, but my parents always taught me the importance of being able to stand alone and work hard for what I want in life. So I was on a mission to educate myself. The harsh reality of life is no stranger to me. Being a daughter of a photojournalist, I was exposed to death, corruption, and lies at a very young age, but always seeing it through glass. And now I’m living it.

Cook, sweep, mop, launder, and repeat - that’s my mantra when I’m not out taking photos and writing stories. I walk or take moto-taxis to get to where I want to be (my parents will have my head for this). And although I miss the comforts of home, life and personal growth is all about tough love. I may not have the luxuries I’m used to, nor do I have the money to splurge on anything, but I am hungry to learn more, explore more, and consequently grow more.

I am a misanthrope, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s what drives me to take photos of the not so beautiful and share them for the world to see. Humankind has committed quite a number of atrocities, life isn’t fair - and I want to create awareness and spark change in my own little way; that’s why I do what I do.

02/07/14

I could do without tan on my left ring finger where my hand meets my knuckles.

My heart bursts with gratitude realising just how blessed I am with people who love us. To family and friends who have been nothing but supportive to both Taylor and I, thank you, from every fiber of our beings!

And of course I would like to thank our sponsors who made this all possible:

Paopao Sanchez for the photography

Alexa Luna for the styling

Phoebe Ouano of Phoebe's Cupcakery

Lea Ann of CMYK Dessert House

On the Road: The Backroads of National Highway 6A

   

We took our scooter and headed 120km North of Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham. The 9-hour motorcycle, or moto as they call it here, was nothing short of gruelling. We took the backroads of National Highway 6A when the road construction started to get unbearable. Our legs and back were sunburnt by the end of trip-- the heat pierced through our skin like thin muslin in a hearth. The trees were beautifully covered in red dust. It reminded me so much of Poinsettia leaves that turn red during Christmas season. We met an accident which left a gash on my knee, a burn on Taylor's calf and a huge wound on his knee that is still healing after nearly 2 months! After having gas poured on our wounds, a man took his stash of dried tobacco, spat on it, and rubbed it on them, but nonetheless, we were both happy we took this trip.

Travelling to and through the provinces on a moto reminded me why I decided to stay in the first place. Children enthusiastically waved and shouted "hello" when we passed by. And when we needed help and assistance during the accident, the locals didn't hesitate to lend us a hand. They gave us water and tended to our wounds and didn't ask a single penny in return. A woman passed by and offered to have us shower and rest at her home. Quite honestly, we probably looked like we really needed it-- in all our dusty and bleeding glory on a side-walk.

It was breath of fresh air being surrounded with such innocence and genuine acts of kindness towards strangers. And in that moment, I fell in love with Cambodia once again.