Rugao is GREEN...once again

I remember how Rugao looks like when it was devastated by one of the strongest typhoons ever to hit our barangay. The place was horrible. Trees were uprooted, houses destroyed, everything was a mess. I don't even enjoy sunrise and sunset then because the place looks pale and dead. But that was months ago. Rugao now is all GREEN once again!

Photo Courtesy of ROCian Grace Tudenio

I can't help but notice that there is no more trace of Typhoon Juan in Rugao (of course except for some houses that are yet to be fixed). The backyards of most houses are full of vegetables ready for harvest. The cornfields and rice fields are so green and healthy. Everything is almost back to what is used to be.  I'm just happy that everyone will have a bountiful harvest this year. This would mean more "jobs" for everyone. I remember when I was a lot younger, I enjoy planting and harvesting corn because I get to earn my own money.

Photo courtesy of ROCian Grace Tudenio

This is truly a blessing for everyone. It will surely help us recover from the effects of the typhoon. God truly knows what he's doing. Just as when everybody thought that they are forsaken and neglected, God rebounds with something big. I would like to believe that God has blessed us so much because of our good deeds and Rugao Online Community was a big part of this blessings. ROC initiated the idea of doing good deeds through Rugao Gives Back and everyone is reaping the fruits of our hard works. It feels great!

So when you go home and visit Rugao this summer, don't wear green! (Haha)

Rugao gets "new look"

If you haven't been to Rugao for a long time and then pay a visit in the next few days, you'll notice the "new look" of our dear barangay. I'm sure you still remember some photos posted by our photographer Jemson Bermudez few weeks ago showing the women of Rugao cleaning the streets. That is all part of the beautification project of the Local Government of Ilagan. The project is actually a competition and our Barangay is in serious contention to win (if they maintain the on-going overhaul of our main street).

The national highway was artistically ornamented with used tires painted with blue, white and red. The painted tires were alternately sandwiched with plants to add more beauty. I also noticed a tall structure being put up in the southern boundary of Rugao resembling a CORN which I believe tells something about the main product of Rugao and the entire municipality of Ilagan. Just a sidelight on the CORN Structure, I believe that this has something to do with the news I heard that Ilagan is no longer adapting the BINALLAY FESTIVAL instead, we will celebrate "MAMMAMANGI FESTIVAL" starting this year!

This beautification project (I think) will be until Ilagan celebrates its festival (MAMMAMANGI) and let's help Rugao win this competition. Based from my observations, the other barangays are also doing well in ornamenting their area. Good luck Rugao!