I am Claro Cortes IV. I am a Filipino photojournalist who was based in Vietnam for more than three years (late 1992-96). I was among the first few lucky journalists given permission to chronicle Vietnam during its early renovation or "doi moi" reforms.
This website is an offshoot of another homepage I created highlighting Asia's lighter side through photography "Glimpses of Asia". After getting several requests for more images, I felt obliged to reveal more of Vietnam's secrets.
Vietnam POSTCARDS is the product.
I covered mostly news events while I was there but in between those assignments were the most rewarding times. Those were the moments when the country's beauty was revealing itself where timeless scenes unfold before my eyes while hearing music through my ears.
I could hear Vivaldi's Four Seasons while Vietnamese ladies float in their traditional "ao dai" silk attires. Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side" plays as young cadres march and teenagers speed on their "Dream" Hondas. It was fun. It was full of grace. It was a wonderful feeling! It was a sight!
With the help of my camera, I was able to capture and preserve some of these fleeting moments. I am very proud and happy to share these photographs to everyone. It is my pleasure to help promote Vietnam as "a country not a war".
Xin Cam on. Thank you very much!
