Daanglungsod, Baganga, Davao Oriental © Jojie Alcantara 2011

“I have been through a lot and have suffered a great deal. But I have had lots of happy moments, as well. Every moment one lives is different from the other. The good, the bad, hardship, the joy, the tragedy, love, and happiness are all interwoven into one single, indescribable whole that is called life. You cannot separate the good from the bad. And perhaps there is no need to do so, either.” ~ Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

This serene photo of Daanglungsod coastal area was taken in 2011. On December 2012, it was hit by Typhoon Pablo (International name: Bopha), a disaster which turned the municipality into a mess. It was a long struggle for the locals to survive and eventually, recover.

Revisiting Baganga, home to the beautiful mangrove sanctuary, pristine coastlines and lush coconut fields, was difficult as it was one of my favorite places. An altered landscape often seen in the news after the devastation, welcomed me.

Baganga after Typhoon Pablo © Jojie Alcantara

However, when you see past the uprooted trunks, upright coconut trees without leaves and branches, an atmosphere of hope is seen on the faces of the villagers you meet. People are rebuilding their lives, houses, livelihood, and spirit. It was a busy coastal village on the brink of recovering from heavy wounds.

Read my article: Yellow Boats of Hope for Baganga

Yellow boats of hope foundation gives to families

Giving hope to children in Baganga © Jojie Alcantara

What Baganga used to look like before Typhoon Pablo (Bopha