Hello 
But before everything, I wanna wish everyone good health and a happy life. Life is precious, live it!
After that escaped with the whole family to the countryside, and here I am again, back to the noisy, busy city life. As we passed by the Cagayan de Oro's Ysalina Bridge, I happened to have a glance at the newly built, along the river boulevard. And memories brought back to my mind. I couldn't believe how this huge area along the river became a tranquil space for people to walk by, and some even spend hours sitting in this place watching the river pass by.
It was December 16, 2011, a tropical storm made landfall over Mindanao, Philippines. Twenty-seven (27) barangays along Cagayan River were washed away by a devastating flash flood, leading to over 1,200 deaths.
Cagayan River, the White Water Rafting Capital in the Philippines
Hundreds of heartbreaking stories of families living along the river made that night tragic. A mother lost her three children, a man lost his wife, and a couple hugged each other as they drowned in mud to death. Many bodies were recovered after the tragic night, but hundreds are still missing until today.
A memory wall was built for all the casualties of Tropical Storm Sendong, and names were listed on a wall for both those bodies recovered and the missing individuals up to this moment. To the missing ones, for sure, their families are still waiting for them to come home after 14 years have passed.
One of the mysteries that was unforgettable about the tragedy was the untouched St. Augustine Cathedral. The church is located just beside the river, all the houses and buildings lined up with the church were all gone with the water, but St. Augustine Cathedral remained untouched by the flash flood. It stood strong, and even the floor was untouched by mud. A mystery indeed!
Last night, my family and I went out to the Rio de Oro (Cagayan River) Boulevard to personally witness what is happening in that place each night. And I was amazed at what I saw. The place with hundreds of lives taken has now become a tranquil space for people to relax and have their breast walks.
The soft, cold wind from the river made a relaxing feel as if it were not a scene from city life. Families went there, spread mats on the pavements and river banks, and had their picnic.
Street food vendors slowly took their space and sell French fries, hot dogs, popcorn, and more. The boulevard looks bright and wonderful at night. A lighthouse from afar also made a wonderful sight from the boulevard.
The Rio de Oro Boulevard is 2.5 kilometers long enough to accommodate those who want to have a short walk, picnic, or those who just want to breathe from the hustles and bustles of the city's restless life.
Rio de Oro Boulevard stands as a symbol of resilience and healing—a place where life continues to move forward while never forgetting the past.
If you visit Cagayan de Oro, don't forget to drop by Rio de Oro at night.
If you are still with me up to this point, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
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