The public may already know that Bagat Notes has previously interviewed and released several feature articles on Reynand Pajaganas Flora—also known as Bunal Choy—and on his family's Tilapia Hatchery. Reynand rose to become an icon and a symbol of consistency and perseverance in pursuing his dreams and promoting youth engagement in agriculture. The Flora Tilapia Hatchery became known as a place connected to nature, a space to regain inspiration and strength.
Recently, Reynand and the Flora family introduced a new name for their place after it had been closed to the public for more than a year. Does this signal new beginnings, new meanings, and a fresh set of expectations?
Join Bagat Notes as we search for answers.
MANANGI ECOFARM, ALWAYS A WORK IN PROGRESS
“Manangi EcoFarm is a vision, not an ambition. It will always be a work in progress. The concept, idea, and inspiration just came as we continued shaping and building where we are going,” Reynand Flora shared with Bagat Notes.
According to Reynand, the introduction of new landscapes and elements to the former Flora Tilapia Hatchery—now Manangi EcoFarm—was inspired by his dream life for his family and himself: a place that feels like one is always on a vacation, where one can reflect in silence, and earn a living. But the bachelor farmer also wants to share this dream space with the community and with anyone looking to reconnect with their dreams and rediscover hope and inspiration.
When asked about the Flora Tilapia Hatchery, Reynand said it will remain.
FISH FARMING TO STAY
“These additional landscapes will not diminish our fish farming because that’s where we started, and it is our strength in this journey. We owe a lot to fish farming—and also to the fresh water from the forest, and to nature as a whole,” he replied. “In fact, Manangi is our way of paying tribute to the source of our livelihood, and a reminder that our future lies in nature. The term Manangi refers to tributaries—streams crossing each other,” Reynand explained further.
A PLACE OF ENCOUNTERS
“And it will continue to accumulate meaning through the coming together of people and their experiences in this place,” he added.
In several close and online encounters, Bagat Notes observed that the vision for the place remains intact. In one face-to-face conversation, Reynand shared: “Manangi EcoFarm will remain a place for those who wish to restore their energy, reflect and meditate, experience farm life, or celebrate milestones. The vision I mentioned before—of a farm where animals, birds, butterflies, fireflies, forests, and humans converge—remains the same with Manangi.”
EXPERIENCE AGRICULTURE, NATURE, CULTURE AND THE FUTURE
“The tagline, Experience Agriculture, Nature, Culture, and the Future in One, invites us to experience farm life; appreciate and value nature; feel family and community connections; and find in silence a chance to revisit our dreams, imagine our future—or perhaps, experience it here. This is our little contribution to building the universal dream: a good life in our common home. In addition, my parents raised us by working this land and our two small fishponds. It is time to give back to the noblest profession—the system of life—called farming,” Reynand added.
GREEN PASTURE WITHIN
Born to a family of farmers, Reynand once sought employment in the city to support them. But during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, he made the decision to return home—rooted and determined. “I came to realize that from the beginning, we’ve lived by tilling the land. I went to the city to find work to improve our lives, but I was drawn back to the land—only now, with new ideas,” he shared. “It’s like a cow that jumps over the fence, thinking the grass is greener on the other side. But with land, water, family, community, and access to services—guided by a vision—we don't need greener grass elsewhere. We already have it here,” Reynand told Bagat Notes in an online exchange.
BRINGING BACK FARMING TO THE YOUNG
What’s crucial in bringing young people back to farming and encouraging them to value nature are: a community that supports them, governance that enables opportunity and growth, a society that welcomes learning through failure, support circles that listen and walk with them in times of confusion and doubt and, most importantly, a community culture that reminds them to stay rooted and grounded.
TILLING LOW, ECHOING BIG BLOWS
Despite his growing popularity and reputation as an inspiration to people of all ages and walks of life—including those in difficult circumstances—Reynand remains a low-profile and shy bachelor. Known widely as Bunal Choy, he has inspired thousands, if not millions, to persevere and continue chasing their dreams despite life's challenges.
Reynand is active in local special bodies and civil society organizations in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. On several occasions, Manangi EcoFarm has served as a host for environmental events. And for three consecutive years already Reynand holds a regular Christmas gift-giving activity for children coined ISDA sa Pasko.
HOME GROWN
Recently in Sibagat, you will find more young people now who are into farming and a number of sprouting agrotourism sites manifesting the growing Organic Agriculture and Sustainable Development movement in the municipality.
Reflecting with Manangi’s meaning, it can also be our interconnected and intersectional efforts contributing to the over-all goal.
Manangi EcoFarm will be the dream home ready for you to experience.
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Manangi EcoFarm is in Purok 2, Kioya, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur Manangi EcoFarm
See the layout: Manangi EcoFarm is Flora Tilapia plus, plus
More on Bunal Choy here: Bagat Notes
Flora Tilapia Hatchery: Fish Terraces
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