Heritage in Motion

   The Kannawidan Festival is an annual celebration in the province of Ilocos Sur that honors the founding of the place, held from the last week of the month of January to the  first week of Febuary. Its name is derived from the Ilocano term "tawid," with its meaning, heritage, that symbolizes the community's dedication to preserving cultural and traditional practices. The festival not only celebrates the historical founding of the province, but it also serves as a way of giving thanks to the Almighty for the region's bountiful blessings and close-knit relationships among Ilocano people. 

      One of the most significant traditions of the festival is the opening mass at the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, along with the procession featuring the Patron Saints of the 40 parishes and images of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. This religious practice showcases the deep-rooted faith that Ilocano people have, with local officials and DepEd representatives often participating in the mass and procession. It continuously serves as a reminder of the spiritual foundation that guides the community through generations.

   The Kannawidan Festival's main focus is to make the younger people engage themselves, encouraging them to appreciate and preserve Ilocano culture and traditions. With the continuous progression of modernization, it is crucial for the to be connected deeply with their cultural roots.  Activities during the festival include traditional rituals, tribal dances, choir competitions, and folk performances, all designed to promote the appreciation of indigenous songs and dances that have long been part of the province’s cultural fabric.

   Beyond having the purpose of preserving cultures and traditions, the festival also provides a platform for showcasing local products, craftsmanship, and agricultural feats through events like the Partuat ken Patanor, an agricultural fair.  The Kannawidan Festival not only strengthens the community’s bond but also promotes tourism, making it an important event for both locals and visitors alike. It is a beautiful reminder of the province's rich past and its commitment to ensuring that its heritage lives on for future generations.

References:

Festivalscape. (n.d.). Kannawidan Ylocos Festival [Webpage]. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://www.festivalscape.com/philippines/ilocos-sur/kannawidan-ylocos/#:~:text=Kannawidan%20Ylocos%20is%20an%20annual,the%20first%20week%20of%20February.

Department of Education Ilocos Sur. (2019, February 7). Kannawidan Ylocos: A cultural celebration of Ilocos Sur [Webpage]. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://depedilocossur.info/?p=2011

Ilocos Sur Provincial Government. (2023, February 12). The Ilocos Sur Kannawidan Festival 2023 Street Dance Competition [Webpage]. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://mis.ilocossur.gov.ph/2023/02/12/the-ilocos-sur-kannawidan-festival-2023-street-dance-competition/

Ai Channel. (2011, February 9). Kannawidan Ylocos Festival: Uppat a tawenen a mangitantandudo kadagiti kultura ken tradision ti Ilocos Sur [Webpage]. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://aichannel.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/kannawidan-ylocos-festival-uppat-a-tawenen-a-mangitantandudo-kadagiti-kultura-ken-tradision-ti-ilocos-sur/

NBOI. (2011, February 9). Kannawidan Festival of Ilocos Sur [Webpage]. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://nboi.blogspot.com/2011/02/kannawidan-festival-of-ilocos-sur.html

Raganit, R. (2014, February). It's more fun in Kannawidan during the month of February [Webpage]. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from http://robinraganitpoca.blogspot.com/2014/02/its-more-fun-in-kannawidan-during-month.html

What are the Chances?

 “Love is like a roller coaster, full of twists and turns.” —Unknown 

    Love comes in any form, whether it be a mother’s love, a father’s love, a sibling’s love, or many more. It is something unpredictable. Many misinterpret love as the feeling of always being happy, forgetting the reality that love, like a roller coaster, has its ups and downs. Valentine's Day serves as a reminder that love is not just about joy and romance but also about understanding, patience, and growth. It is a day to celebrate the different kinds of love that shape our lives—whether from family, friends, or even ourselves. More than grand gestures, the essence of this day lies in appreciating those who stand by us through life's twists and turns. 

    We commemorate Valentine's Day to honor love in all of its forms, not simply for romantic purposes. It is an opportunity to thank those who have been there for us and to think back on those who have helped us. The romantic side of this day is frequently emphasized by society, but true love is deeper and more expansive than that. A teacher's silent support, a friend's assistance during difficult times, or the love of a mother who stays up late for her child—all of these deserve acknowledgment. Valentine's Day offers us the opportunity to remember that love is about more than just providing gifts; it's also about making other people feel important and loved. 

    Expressing affection does not always require expensive presents or extravagant surprises. I personally show my affection to the people I treasure by simply being there for them, making sure they know that I am always available for them, that they don't have to put up their defenses as long as they are with me, and they are always able to show who they are. 

    Love’s beauty lies in the sincerity of our actions. After all, just like a roller coaster, love is about embracing both the highs and lows with the people who matter most.

References:

Blogger. https://www.blogger.com

Pinimg. (n.d.).  Pinterest. https://i.pinimg.com/736x/60/67/10/6067108133eac281f37aa44aedee1b66.jpg

The Journey of Turning Ideas into Reality

     Embarking on our Community-Based Research was an adventure I didn’t expect would be so rewarding. From brainstorming ideas to working closely together as a team, every step was a unique experience. What made it even more special was doing it with a group of people who made the journey fun and full of learning. Below are some of the moments that really stuck with me and helped shape this project into something memorable.

    Here's an excerpt from one of our brainstorming meetings where we were all gathered to collide ideas and to discuss what would be the most suitable topic for us to delve deeper into.

   

    Here’s a peaceful shot of the river, with fish pens floating along its calm waters. It was interesting to see how the local community utilizes the river for fish farming, and it gave us a deeper understanding of the region's resources. The view was both serene and eye-opening, reflecting the connection between nature and livelihood in the area.

    Here is another picture of the river, this time showcasing its wide expanse. The flowing water and lush surroundings created such a tranquil scene, reminding us how critical this river is to the community. It is not only a means of earning a living, but also an integral part of their daily life. We commend the river for its grace and vitality.

    This is during a collaborative discussion on how we decided to divide the work on the web layout. We were selecting the best design for each section, deciding who would tackle which part of the project. Everyone contributed their unique skills, so it was bound to come together. The level of creativity and ideas that filled the discussions was amazing, most importantly, it was inspiring to see the team take ownership of their respective roles.

    The code I was working on for my portion of the web design is shown here. At first, it was a little challenging, but when I finally put everything together from the layout to the content, I felt satisfied. Being aware that everything was coming together for our project made me feel accomplished when I saw all the lines of code begin to make sense and take shape.

    This photo was taken some time after we were done with our web design presentation. Knowing that all of our hard work had paid off made us smile and felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off our shoulders. Seeing our concepts come to life on screen was wonderful, and the entire team was pleased with our collective achievement.

An experience that flew by, but I’ll cherish it! :)

Reference:
Blogger. https://www.blogger.com

3 Quarters Down, 1 More To Be Done

    For this quarter, I gained many valuable skills and discoveries, especially in terms of creating and presenting a community-based research (CBR) project. I learned how to structure the parts of a CBR, including the title, subtitle, focus study, and conclusion. After submitting the hard copy of our CBR, we transitioned to creating a webpage for the project. As I worked on my sections of the webpage, I discovered how to use cascading style sheets (CSS) tags to enhance the design of the page. This was something new to me, and I appreciated learning how CSS could be used to style the webpage. I also learned about the different types of lists, including unlisted and listed lists, as well as nested unordered and ordered lists, which allowed me to organize information more effectively on the webpage. We also worked on creating blog posts, just like in the previous quarters, which helped me practice presenting ideas and reflecting on my learning. These activities helped me develop a deeper understanding of web design and how to present information in an organized, visually appealing way.

    However, I encountered some challenges along the way, particularly with coding. Some of the HTML tags and concepts were unfamiliar to me, and I struggled to understand how they worked. This was especially true when I had to figure out how to use CSS tags in my coding.

    To address these challenges, I dedicated time to learning and researching the coding issues I faced. I used resources like online tutorials and practice exercises to better understand the coding concepts. Over time, I became more confident and capable in handling coding challenges, which helped me continue working on my project.

    Moving forward, I will continue improving my skills in coding and web design. I now know that learning takes time, and overcoming challenges requires persistence and curiosity. I’ll continue to apply these lessons to future projects and further develop my skills.

References:
Blogger. (http://www.blogger.com)

Traditions That Bring Us Together

    Filipinos love celebrations and the Chinese New Year is not an exemption to this.  Despite the fact that Philippines is comprised of Christians, the long history of the Chinese-Filipino or what we call as the Tsinoys community has made this event a big part of local culture. Many Filipinos, even those who are not Chinese by blood, join in the celebration of the Chinese New Year, embracing the concepts of luck, prosperity, and a fresh start. It is even declared a special non-working holiday by the government, which shows how important it is to the country.

    During Chinese New Year, the streets are filled with dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, and lots of red decorations for good luck. Families gather to share special food, like tikoy or sticky rice cake for stronger bonds and noodles for long life. Many also believe that giving ang pao (red envelopes with money) brings blessings, especially for children. Even malls and businesses join the fun by having zodiac-themed sales and promotions, so the celebration becomes meaningful and exciting.

    It brings back the memories of a rich mix of cultures in the country and how Filipinos strongly bond with the Chinese-Filipino community. It's time for family, hope, and wishing for a better year ahead. Whether through a simple meal or a grand celebration, Filipinos have taken this tradition as their own, proving once again that any reason to celebrate is always welcome in the Philippines.

References:

Sage Brown. (n.d.). Snake Chinese New Year 2025 image. Retrieved from     https://sagebrown.co.uk/cdn/shop/articles/snake.jpg?v=1731327100

Julia Charles Event Management. (2023, December). Chinese lanterns for Chinese New Year 2024     events. Retrieved from https://www.juliacharleseventmanagement.co.uk/wp-                                       content/uploads/2023/12/Chinese-Lanterns-1024x576.jpg

GetGo. (2025). Chinese New Year 2025 image. Retrieved from https://getgo.sg/wp-   content/uploads/2025/01/chinese_new_year_2025-1.jpg

From Old Town to Timeless City

     Has a thought ever crossed your mind, igniting a spark of curiosity about how a place can hold on to its past while stepping confidently into the future? Vigan City's story is a beautiful example of blending history with progress, showing how resilience and transformation can go hand in hand.

    The journey of Vigan City started way back in 1572, when a Spanish conquistador established the place as a municipality. It was given the name Ciudad Fernandina and quickly became an important center for Spanish politics, religion, and commerce in northern Luzon. The town’s layout, inspired by Renaissance ideals, and its unique architecture were a mix of European, Chinese, and Filipino styles. The Mestizo District, with its iconic ancestral houses made of bricks and wood, was a thriving hub of activity—businesses below, families above—showcasing the lively economy of the time. Vigan managed to preserve its colonial charm and historical significance despite facing difficulties such as an economic slump after the World War II.

    In 1858, Vigan was officially elevated to city status by Queen Isabella II. However, it wasn’t until 1999, when UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, that the city gained global recognition. Today, Vigan shines as a cultural treasure. Its cobblestone streets and landmarks like St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral draw visitors from all over the world. Through careful conservation efforts, Vigan’s architectural heritage remains a vibrant part of its identity, even as it adapts to modern needs. Festivals and a thriving tourism industry keep the city’s spirit alive, celebrating its rich traditions while embracing the future.

    From its humble beginnings as a bustling municipality to its status as a world-renowned city, Vigan’s journey is something to admire. It reminds us that history and progress don’t have to be at odds—they can beautifully coexist, inviting everyone to explore its timeless charm and vibrant energy.

References:

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (n.d.). Historic City of Vigan.              Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/502/

History Timelines. (n.d.). A History Timeline About Vigan. Retrieved from                             https://historytimelines.co/timeline/vigan

Laidback Trip. (n.d.). Vigan City: A guide to things to do and see. Retrieved from                    https://www.laidbacktrip.com/posts/what-to-do-vigan-ilocos-sur-philippines

Sarmiento, J. M. (2017, January 2). Vigan, Ilocos Sur: Travelogue. Retrieved from                 https://johnmichaelsarmiento.wordpress.com/2017/01/02/vigan-ilocos-sur-travelogue

A Chapter Closed, a New Beginning Awaits

 Change is a powerful word, it signifies growth, transformation and the courage to step into the unknown. As I welcome the New Year, I am ready to embrace change, not just in the world around me but also within myself. This year, I am determined to prioritize self-prioritization, optimism, and appreciating life's little but precious moments.

    I have come to a point where I realized that I often overthink, letting even the smallest problems consume my thoughts. This habit has made me feel overwhelmed and has kept me from seeing the positive aspects of things. I want to change how I think in the upcoming year so that I can see obstacles as chances and think that even the most challenging circumstances can lead to positive outcomes. Choosing to be optimistic isn’t always easy, but I know it’s a step toward a happier and more fulfilling life.

    Learning to prioritize myself and my goals is another change I want to achieve. For far too long, I have placed too much importance on the opinions of others, allowing their thoughts to shape my actions and decisions. This year, I want to take charge of the course of my life and concentrate on my priorities. I am aware that this also means getting over my procrastination behaviors. I have accomplished only so much because of my laziness, but I am resolved to overcome it and pursue my goals one step at a time.

    Finally, I want to embrace every memorable moment I will experience, even the smallest ones. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes the most meaningful experiences are those that happen quietly and unexpectedly. I don’t want to overlook these moments anymore, because what if they never happen again? What if they’re the memories I’ll treasure most later on? This year and for the years ahead, I want to live life with more gratitude and awareness, fully appreciating the beauty of  each passing second.

    The New Year offers me the opportunity to change my story, grow, and accept the adjustments that will enable me to become the person I want to be. I am well prepared to create an unforgettable year by being optimistic, setting priorities for myself, and having a deep appreciation for life's short moments. Every ending is just the start of something new, after all.

    PS: See comment section for references.