Celebrating Faith and Culture in Vigan City

 


    

    My trip to Vigan City became very special because I was able to witness and be part of the Fiesta of the Conversion of St. Paul, the patron saint of the city. Vigan is already beautiful because of its heritage houses and old streets, but during the fiesta, the place felt more alive and joyful. Even though the celebration was done in the new normal, the people still showed strong faith and unity.  

    

    One of the most exciting parts of the celebration was the Longganisa Festival, which was held on January 22. Many people gathered to watch the street dancing and showdown competition. The streets were filled with music, colorful costumes, and energetic performances. It was amazing to see how each group showed creativity and teamwork while representing Vigan’s culture and traditions.


    

What made this experience unforgettable for me was that I was one of the dancers who performed during the street dancing and showdown. Dancing in the streets of Vigan was tiring but very fulfilling. All our hard work paid off when we won 1st place, receiving ₱250,000, along with other awards such as Best in Production, Best Male Dancer, Best Female Dancer, Best in Musicality, and Best in Costume. I felt proud and happy because our efforts were recognized. 

    Aside from the festival activities, I also witnessed the religious celebrations, including the mass and procession at the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. Seeing people pray together reminded me that the fiesta is not only about fun and performances, but also about faith and thanksgiving. Walking along Calle Crisologo during the celebration made the experience even more memorable. 

    Overall, my experience during the Fiesta of the Conversion of St. Paul in Vigan City was unforgettable. From celebrating faith to dancing in the streets and winning awards, this trip taught me the importance of culture, teamwork, and perseverance. It is an experience that I will always treasure.      

Third Quarter Reflection

 

    
    

    During the third quarter, the learning/discoveries that I have gained in the third quarter is to manage my time more, especially when I am busy with outdoor activities. I also discovered more new lessons in life that helped me understand more. Just like the second quarter, learning is not only about memorizing but also about understanding and applying what I learn in daily life.

    

    However, this quarter also came with many more challenges. One of the problems/challenges that I have encountered is deciding what to do or what am I going to start off with. This second quarter was a bit challenging because there are so much stuff happening to me just like joining the Longganisa Festival and missing out so many activities, having second thoughts whether to participate the R1AA. I feel myself getting pressured and yet overthinking things like my grades dropping or more.

    

    

    To overcome these struggles, I managed my time and still prioritize what's important whether I am busy outside, representing my school, and stay calm and positive even when there are times that are hard.

    

    Moving on, I will continue to do my best in everything I do and stay motivated to reach my goals. I will use all the lessons and experiences from this quarter as a guide to improve more in the next ones. I also need to be more responsible, proactive, and positive even when facing challenges. With hard work and preserverance, I believe that I can keep growing as a students and as a person.




    References: 
    https://www.enago.com/academy/time-management-tips-for-researchers/     https://executivesupportmagazine.com/overthinking/
    https://gettingresults.com/prioritization/
    https://medium.com/@mschaturmutha/positive-thinking-v-s-positive-attitude-afd6cbcf0a5f

“Jose Rizal, the face of the Philippines”

 

  

 

    José Rizal’s greatest contribution to Philippine society was how he awakened the sense of nationalism among Filipinos. During the Spanish colonial period, many Filipinos were afraid to speak up about the abuses they experienced. Rizal used his knowledge and talent in writing to express what the people were going through. Instead of fighting with weapons, he believed that change could start through education, awareness, and peaceful reform.

    

   Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo played a big role in opening the eyes of Filipinos. Through these stories, he showed the cruelty of Spanish friars and officials and the unfair treatment of Filipinos. The characters and events in the novels felt real, which made readers realize that the problems in society should not be ignored. Because of his writings, many Filipinos became more aware of their rights and started to love their country more.

    

   Rizal’s execution in 1896 proved how powerful his ideas were. Even though he did not lead an armed revolution, his death inspired many Filipinos to continue fighting for freedom. Until today, José Rizal is remembered not just as a hero, but as a symbol of courage, intelligence, and love for the Philippines.

    References: 

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Rizal

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noli_Me_T%C3%A1ngere_%28novel%29
    https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2284/

Celebration of the Christmas Season in its essence

 

    The Christmas season is a special time of the year when people feel more love, joy, and hope. For me, Christmas is not only about receiving gifts but about remembering the birth of Jesus Christ and the message of love and kindness He shared. It is a time when families come together, forget their problems for a while, and enjoy each other’s presence.

    

    In our home, Christmas is celebrated through simple traditions like decorating the house, attending Simbang Gabi, and preparing food for Noche Buena. These traditions may seem ordinary, but they make the season meaningful because they allow us to spend quality time with our family. Hearing laughter, sharing stories, and eating together make Christmas feel warm and special.

 

    

    

    

    The true essence of Christmas is also shown through sharing and giving. During this season, many people try to help others by giving food, gifts, or even just a smile. It reminds us that Christmas is not about how much we receive, but about how much love we can give to others, especially to those who are in need.

     

    Overall, Christmas teaches us to be thankful, loving, and kind. When we celebrate it with a sincere heart, we are able to feel its true meaning. The lessons of Christmas should not only be practiced during the season but also carried throughout the year.

Philippines' National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month, the theme is "Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development.”

 

    The celebration of the Philippines’ National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month reminds us of how rich and diverse our country’s culture is. With the theme “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development,” the celebration highlights the importance of Indigenous Peoples in shaping our nation’s identity and future. Their traditions, stories, and way of life show how culture can be preserved while still moving forward as a society.

    This theme shows that indigenous culture is not only about the past but also about building a better future. Indigenous communities have valuable knowledge about nature, farming, and taking care of the environment. These practices help promote sustainable development, especially today when environmental problems are becoming more serious. By respecting and learning from Indigenous Peoples, we can find better ways to protect our natural resources.

    

    National IP Month also reminds us of the need to empower Indigenous Peoples by protecting their rights and giving them equal opportunities. This includes access to education, healthcare, and livelihood, as well as respecting their ancestral lands. Empowerment allows them to continue their traditions while improving their quality of life. When Indigenous Peoples are supported, the whole country benefits.

    

    Overall, this celebration teaches us to appreciate cultural diversity and to be more respectful and inclusive. Indigenous Peoples are an important part of our nation, and their culture truly serves as a strong foundation for sustainable development. By honoring and empowering them, we help weave a future that is fair, rich in culture, and hopeful for everyone.









    References: https://narrastudio.com/blogs/journal/weaving-traditions?srsltid=AfmBOoo4pjlax14ChBUdIv7FiPeu6Y6WOfPCIwiamy7EMlHiEYeJhOOB
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1211618
https://medium.com/@raheemali9242/how-traditional-weaving-techniques-are-preserved-today-20ce67ff9b9f

President Elpidio Quirino

 

    Elpidio Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Philippines. He came from a humble background and worked as a school teacher before practicing law.

    Quirino began his political career in the Commonwealth government, where he held various positions under President Manuel L. Quezon, both as a legislator and executive. He later served as Senate president and secretary of the interior before becoming vice president in 1946.

    

As president from 1948 to 1953, Quirino focused on economic recovery and infrastructure development. His administration oversaw large-scale projects like the construction of the Pan-Philippine Highway. He also worked to improve education and healthcare in the Philippines.

    Another notable part of Quirino’s leadership was his strong focus on rebuilding the economy after the war. The Philippines was still recovering from the massive destruction caused by World War II, and Quirino worked to stabilize the nation by supporting foreign trade and attracting international aid. One of his biggest accomplishments was strengthening ties with the United States, which helped the country receive economic assistance through programs like the Philippine Rehabilitation Act. This support played a big role in helping industries and public services recover during a very difficult time.

    Despite facing criticism and political challenges, Quirino continued to push programs that he believed would benefit the Filipino people. He promoted land reform and supported projects that aimed to give more opportunities to farmers and workers. While not all his plans were fully realized, they showed his determination to build a more stable and progressive Philippines. Looking back, many historians now see his presidency as a crucial period of rebuilding—one that helped the country stand on its feet again after the war.




References: https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/734/today-in-philippine-history-november-8-1949-sitting-chief-executive-elpidio-quirino-was-elected-formally-as-president#google_vignette
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elpidio_Quirino
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/06/27/22/inaugural-address-of-president-elpidio-quirino

OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!

 

    

    The 2025 National Children’s Month celebration carries a powerful message through its theme, “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!” It reminds us that every child deserves to live in a world free from fear and harm especially in the digital age where online exploitation has become a serious threat. This year’s theme calls on everyone—parents, teachers, communities, and the government to unite in protecting the safety, dignity, and rights of every Filipino child.

    I believe the government has made great progress in strengthening its protection for children. The passage of Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act, is one of the biggest steps in fighting online sexual abuse and exploitation. This law not only punishes offenders but also provides programs to help child victims recover and rebuild their lives. Campaigns led by agencies such as the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the Department of Education (DepEd) also show the government’s strong effort to raise awareness and promote online safety among students and families


    

    However, even with laws and campaigns in place, there are still many challenges. The fight against online exploitation requires continuous action, not only from the government but from everyone. More education, stronger monitoring systems, and better support for children and their families are needed. Protecting children should not stop at celebrating one month, it should be a constant effort every day of the year.


    This year’s celebration is a reminder that children are not just the hope of the nation; they are its present. Their voices matter, and their rights must always be defended. By standing together—families, schools, communities, and the government—we can truly end OSAEC and CSAEM, ensuring that every Filipino child grows up safe, respected, and free.





    References: 

     https://whrpc.org/service/children/

     https://quezoncity.gov.ph/national-childrens-month-        2025/ 

    https://pia.gov.ph/regions/strengthen-online-safety-of-children-with-ra-11930/