On Day Two, as I explored the shores of the mangrove garden, I met a teenage boy named Tata. I asked him if he would allow me to ride in his banca and accompany me to the nearest white-sand beach. The shy kid agreed; he brought me to a place called Alaska.
RESTORED. These mangroves are a product of the town’s rehabilitation efforts. (davaotoday.com photo by Joan Mae Soco)The beach is somewhere in the seemingly hidden area of the mangrove garden; many villagers would go there to bathe in the sea. Even the shallow part of the sea has much to offer as one can actually see corals six feet below.
On our way back, I handed Tata a 20-peso bill and I was amused when he told me that I need not pay him because, after all, he was just roaming around and that it was not his job to tour people anyway. I was taken aback when he asked me if people from the cities always pay for something they have enjoyed or demand payment for favors.
On Day Three, I was joined by Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2006 Kitten Maambong and Pag-asa ng Dabaw 2006 Rea Lane Horfilla. We were showed around the municipality by no less than the municipalitys first lady, Nida Morales. We visited several places. One of those was the San Victor beach, a white-sand island with very clear waters and waves perfect for surfing.
It was then that I realized that I have been dreaming of places too far away, not knowing that the beauty I have been seeking all this time is quite near me. I have been fantasizing about Kamla Beach in Phuket hundreds of miles from home when, in Baganga, natures beauty is real and is only six hours away. (Joan Mae Soco/davaotoday.com)
[tags]davao oriental, baganga, mangroves, davao tourism, mindanao, mutya ng dabaw, joan mae soco [/tags]
