CDO rises again

MANILA, Philippines - When GMA 7 recently flew its stars to Cagayan De Oro — one of the Kapuso network’s most visited cities in Mindanao for its regional events — the visit for the Kagay-an Festival apparently took on more meaning.

The network has been aggressively reaching out to its viewers outside Mega Manila by way of bringing its brightest if not freshest stars to add sparkle and shine to regional festivals, fiestas and other major occasions. In the latest CDO visit, apart from gracing the network’s signature Kapuso Night and participation in different festivities, the stars were on hand not only to provide entertainment but to also push for special advocacies.

GMA 7’s Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga lead stars Mikael Daez and Andrea Torres with Gabby Eigenmann, Hindi Ka Na Mag-iisa’s Angelu de Leon, Frank Magalona, Carl Guevara and Krystal Reyes plus Kris Bernal, La Diva, Mark Herras, Krizza Neri and Rochelle Pangilinan went to Sendong relocation sites and the Camp Evangelista General Hospital to visit wounded and injured soldiers of the Philippine Army who recently figured in an encounter in Marawi City.

To recall, it was in December of last year when this city in Misamis Oriental (as well as neighboring Iligan City) got devastated by Typhoon Sendong, leaving in its wake massive loss of property, livelihood and lives. In the aftermath of the calamity, several Kapuso stars found their way to CDO to take part in the relief operations.

Now, almost a year later, seeing the city and its people steadily recovering and rising from the tragedy is truly an inspiration.

“I felt so happy for the people of CDO when I finally had a chance to get back. It has been almost a year since I was in CDO for Sendong relief operations and the people have really come a long way,” Mikael told The STAR.

Hometown pride Krizza Neri, first winner of GMA 7’s Protégé: I’m so proud to be Cagay-anon

“The images I remember during the relief operations were of cars filled to the roof with mud, injured and deceased bodies everywhere and all the citizens desperately looking for relief goods.

“Almost a year later, I see so much development in terms of infrastructure but more importantly, in terms of attitude! They were all extremely happy and enjoyable. It’s even more heartwarming because their spirits were so high, it’s as if Sendong had never happened. Good job to the citizens of CDO! They really picked themselves up in record time. And because I experienced their development first hand, I can honestly say that they have a special place in my heart,” Mikael added.

Aside from staging a show and a meet-and-greet session at the relocation sites, they also visited the soldiers being treated at the 4th Infantry Division Hospital in Camp Evangelista. 

Soldiers were overheard saying, “Murag nabaskog ko ug dali (It seems I’ve already regained my strength),” upon seeing their special guests.

In a statement, Angelu, for her part, said of her experience: “I salute our military men because of what they are willing and able to offer for our country. I am really honored that I was given the privilege to spend some time with them. I pray for their fast recovery.”

Oliver Amoroso, AVP for GMA Regional TV, said, “According to the 4th ID Military Infirmary, it was the first time that stars from any network visited the hospital. When we sent our letter of intent, at first, the officers thought that we were not keen on going. So that’s why they were still in awe when we brought the Kapuso artists to visit.”

Amoroso added that the intention in including a cause-oriented component to the CDO visit was “to bring the spotlight to the affected families and to bring more help and awareness to the plight of our soldiers. For the injured soldiers, (hopefully) it helped renew their strength and inspire them to continue serving the country.

“For the victims of Sendong, it brought a welcome change in their day-to-day lives, bringing smiles to their faces and encouraging them to move on with life.”

For what the Kapuso stars saw at CDO, hometown pride Krizza, the first winner of Protégé, whose victory happened when Sendong struck, said it best during the Kapuso mall show at SM City CDO: “Proud kaayo ko (I’m so proud) to be Cagay-anon. My fellow Cagay-anons make me proud to be Cagay-anon.”

The network’s participation in the Kagay-an Festival will be featured in the Let’s Fiesta TV special airing on Sunday, Sept. 16 via the network’s regional stations in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Ilocos, GenSan, Bacolod, and Bicol. The TV special will air in CDO on Sept. 23.