Baganga's Positive Rising (Davao Oriental)

Two years ago, four days after typhoon Pablo hit major towns of the east coast of Davao Oriental, specifically in Baganga, main officials, Mayor at that, Brgy. Capt of the main town, and Board Member of the 1st district of the province had a rumble against each other due to some misunderstandings. (I prefer not to mention their names since it was very shameful on their part and to the whole face of the town.)

Two years after, when I came back to the town to judge a beauty pageant dubbed as “Mutya ng Baganga” and “Bagangalaw” street dancing competition, a feeling of dislike is changed, appreciation of its renewed glory is back. I begin to like Baganga, its people, their courage to stand firm, their faith towards a better tomorrow, their attitude for governance, their perception of what a Filipino and a Bagangeño should be.

They changed Niyogan festival to “Awuyon Festival”, meaning, a festival of unity, agreement, assistance towards each other, Care and Love. Enough should there be conflict, stop abuse of the environment were some of the answers of one candidate of Mutya ng Baganga in a question about

how should a leader act in this point in time that Baganga is abled already in rising up, which I liked the most since I advocate full protection of our environment especially the Flora and Fauna of Davao oriental since they experienced the anger of nature. Having heard these thoughts from a candidate ignited my hands to clap, and give her my full appreciation.

This indicated their maturity of really telling what they feel even if leaders surround them during that night. That maturity of the said candidate is her courage and love onto the land that witnessed her existence. She was just one of those who achieved maturity and full courage; many are they who learned lessons of the past. If this is the drive of every Bagangeño, he or she maybe in Baganga or in other parts of the world, then Baganga shall be fully protected from the hands of the greedy, of the despised, sad to say, some of them are believed to be elected officials.

This is a celebration after all odds this town has experienced. Mabuhay Baganga, may you live a productive rising.

A very nice stage of Baganga's Mutya ng Baganga event here in Baganga, Davao Oriental	This is how they unite during  Mutya ng Baganga 2014
A Dance number	Swimsuit competition: Mutya ng Baganga 2014
Swimsuit competition: Mutya ng Baganga 2014	Here are the 13 candidates of Mutya ng Baganga 2014

A sort of Advertisement during this trip was my stay in Mati City's Lane Hotel, I am glad that I was here... the place where we had our comfort.

Clean and Comfortable Room

Taking my Selfie before leaving the Hotel

John Paul S. Seniel is a multi-awarded Host, Filmmaker,TV Journalist, and Senior Desk Editor of GMA Davao Regional Network, Inc. He was also regarded as "Journalist to the Mountains", a respected Program Host of his hit TV-Show "Isyu ug Istorya" aired every Saturday 7:00am on GMA Channel 5 in Southern Mindanao, GMA Channels 12 and 35 in Northern Mindanao, and GMA Channel 8 in GenSan. Recognized by the Matigsalog Tribe for being a strong advocate of the rights of the Lumads or indigenous peoples (IP); Mr. Seniel was bestowed as the Datu Salimbangun Title.