Ka Donat takes pleasure too in the fact that the respect he receives from the people is definitely a respect for the national-democratic movement where he is in.

He added that he always tells young activists that there are many other political prisoners who have similarly beautiful and interesting lives and stories.

Love behind bars and beyond

Speaking of interesting stories, the whole country became witness to Ka Donat’s equally interesting love story with his wife of 11 years whom he calls Kyut.

For who would think easily that there is love behind bars? Or if we quote the television show Mel and Joey, “No bars for love” is how it can also be described.

Again, there was a subtle blush on Ka Donat’s face when asked about his love story but recovers right away and returned to his almost constant deadpan.

“Our story started in 1995, in a nation-wide hunger strike supported by different communities here and abroad including U.S.A. and Canada,” he said.

Cute was among the members of the different organizations visiting the political prisoners. In one year, Ka Donat and Cute’s love affair went full circle and the two decided to get married. They have one son.

Talk about love, he has this to say: “As long as you understand each other and what you are fighting for, then there will seem to be no bars in love. There will always be smiles full of love for each other and for the liberation of the nation.”

For the 248 political detainees in the country, Ka Donat leaves an inspiring message too: “Ang malamig na pader at makapal na bakal ay hindi hadlang upang palayain ang ating kaisipan. Kung kinakalawang man ang bakal at nababasa ng ulan ang pader, an gating ideolohiya at dedikasyon ang laging maglilinis nito hanggang makamit natin ang kalayaan” (Cold walls and thick bars are not obstacles to free our minds. Even if the bars become rusty and the wall drenched by rain, our dedication and ideology should cleanse it until we achieve freedom.)

We finished the interview just in time for dinner. I left the place smiling. It was, indeed, a dream come true. Contributed to(Bulatlat.com)

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