PP Life

Shunned by his Church and fellow countrymen, Raymond Alikpala sought solitude in Southeast Asia. Instead he found love. The author of “God Loves Bakla” opens the pages of his life to share with the world. Words by Craig Gerard. The Catholic Church is typically not a forgiving place, especially when it comes to “sexual deviants,” and the Jesuits in Manila were no exception. Growing up in the shadow of the Church, Raymond Alikpala quickly learned to suppress his attraction for men, even before he truly understood his sexual orientation. But after 30 years of hiding in the closet, Raymond, who h…

Manager of the most iconic bookstore in the capital, William Bagley turns years of literary experience into a successful mix of tales and toys. Craig Gerard hears the story from the face of Monument Books. A relative newcomer to Phnom Penh, Monument Books general manager William Bagley has the admirable task of selecting what English language books are available in the city. “I’ve always been passionate about reading,” William explains. One of five brothers, he says they used books to escape from each other. “It has fuelled everything I’ve done.” William, who arrived in Cambodia in August of 2…

Not everyone is prepared to leave a cushy life in the U.S. for the streets of Phnom Penh. For Isaac Veth, however, returning to his homeland was a no-brainer almost from the moment he left. Words by Nora Lindstrom. Isaac Veth is no ordinary guy. Born in Battambang, he fled Cambodia in 1979 through the refugee camps in Thailand. Around seven years old, he and his remaining family were settled in the Projects of the Bronx, New York. Together with his mother and five siblings he later moved to Reading, California. Growing up on welfare in the U.S. wasn’t easy. Isaac describes how he and his broth…

Birds brought her to Cambodia, and a rice project to protect them is making her stay. Meet Karen Nielsen, a birdwatcher by association who is bringing wildlife friendly rice to the Kingdom. Words by Nora Lindstrom. Karen Nielsen’s story of how she ended up in Cambodia follows the usual path. She and husband Howie quit their respective accountancy and dentistry jobs in the U.S., went travelling, and were on a badly timed birdwatching tour in Cambodia. With no birds to be seen and three weeks left on their visa, they approached the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to offer their skills. Thoug…

If art follows life then filmmaker Poan Phoung Bopha has made the most of a job complemented by the complexities, beauty and difficulties of Cambodian culture. Words by Luke Hunt and Lim Seang Heng.Of her 20-films that were largely produced in the last five years their content was built on experiences that date back five decades, delving into the psychology of love and in particular her own sexuality.She says her most famous film to date Who Am I? – a tragedy about a lesbian love affair – had propelled her to the front row of the Cambodian art world after it left a much greater impression on a…