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Monday, September 15, 2003
Gueco: War and peace
By Malou T. Cueco
Date: November 23, 1944
Place: Mapanique, Candaba, Pampanga
'TWAS a gray and cloudless November morning when the winds of war ravaged this far-flung barrio in Pampanga. Shouting "Banzai!" and slashing the air with their bayonets, the Japanese troops swooped down on the villagers' homes to carry out their brutal intentions.
Massacre, looting and mass rape of Kapampangan women choked our Kabalens' (provincemates) hearts, crying out for God's mercy. The tragedy has been kept in halls of silence for too many years.
Fortuitously, a group of lolas banded themselves together to form a group known as "Malaya Lolas" (Freedom Grandmothers) to open the gateway to voice out their secret sufferings.
September 21
On Sunday, September 21, 3 to 5 p.m., there will be a book launching and unveiling of a photo exhibit to remember this unforgettable day. Venue is set at the SM Entertainment Plaza, SM Annex, Pampanga.
The Malaya Lolas (Mapanique) is coordinating with the Pagkakaisa ng Kababaihan (Kaisa-Ka) in presenting the theme of "Profiles of women survivors of the military sexual slavery in World War II."
Maita Gomez authored the book, which focuses on the continuing struggle of the women survivors for justice. It also depicts the presentation of their legal case before the International War Crimes Tribunal in Tokyo last January 2001. Photographer Jimmy Domingo captured the profiles of the Malaya Lolas in excellent photographic details.
You are all invited to witness this event.
Peace
Today, I offer myself to peace.
My women allies and me desire to bring healing to the wounds of war, trauma, and sexual violence. There is a path of nirvana (peace) where we can all walk in harmony. Thus, overcoming the boundaries of race, class and gender.
Words
This column is dedicated to expressing the ideals of womanhood. Though we are soft voices in the misty landscape of Pampanga, our occupation as a wordsmith is our gift to this generation. Words are the true essence of sharing our hearts' innermost yearning.
Healing
"Peace comes from within. Let us create loving circles and communities of peace," asserted counselor Betty A. Peņa. Her insights on healing, amity and wholeness are valuable gifts to this writer.
She has shared with me a psychological perspective, which helps illuminate my writing. Her caring, authentic and warm-hearted advices will always be imprinted in the hearts of our Kapampangan friends.
Nirvana
Embracing the highest pillar of healing, I am opening a new radio show on radio station dwGV 792 AM in Angeles City. It is a weekly program to be aired every Saturday from 4 to 5 pm. Opening of the show is slated for September 20.
"Nirvana" will be the dynamic name of the program. You are all welcome to share your opinion, comments and suggestions. You can email me at malutgueco@yahoo.com.
I am lovingly dedicating the broadcast to the women and men who have searched for the true meaning of nirvana throughout the history of humankind.
(September 14, 2003 issue)
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