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. 

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.

The Warmth of Holiday Spirit Filled with Joy, Love, and Laughter

 “At Christmas, all roads lead home.” – Marjorie Holmes. This quote perfectly captures the heartwarming experience of the holiday season.

    I spent my Christmas vacation surrounded by the people who mean the most to me, these of course are my family. On Christmas Eve, Me and my brothers helped my mother prepare our noche buena. The kitchen buzzed with activity as we worked together, filling the house with the wonderful aroma of festive dishes. Exactly at midnight, we gathered around the table together with our lola's, tito's, and tita's to welcome Christmas with a feast. The noche buena spread included spaghetti, mango graham, pancit, and other delicious dishes that made the moment even more special.

    The celebration continued on Christmas day at our house that wa made even more livelier as our cousins and their parents showed up. They brought along their own homemade dishes, which added to the abundance of food on our table. Everybody made different contributions whether it was savory specialties or freshly baked pastries. We ate a filling lunch of chicken, lumpiang shanghai, barbecue, tinola, and many other dishes that our parents and other family members lovingly prepared.

   There were lots of games and laughter throughout the afternoon. We played and competed for hours while sharing snacks and spending precious moments together. The entire experience was made unforgettable by the delight of being with my family.

    Christmas is about more than just the food and games; it's about the love, giving, and belonging that define the season. The quote by Marjorie Holmes served as a reminder to me that Christmas is a time to return emotionally and physically to the people who give life its true meaning.

References:

Redirect Notice. (n.d.). The history of Christmas traditions. Retrieved from   https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2023/12/21/the-history-of-christmas-traditions/

Redirect Notice. (n.d.-b). A brief history of Christmas. Retrieved from   https://voiceandvisioninc.org/blog/entry/a-brief-history-of-christmas/

Redirect Notice. (n.d.-c). Facts about Christmas. Retrieved from https://nationaltoday.com/blog/facts-     about-christmas/

HTML Foundations: Beyond the Journey's End

    

    As the second quarter of the 2024–2025 academic year draws to a close, I've had the chance to delve into the world of HTML coding and have learned a lot in the process. As I learned how to use HTML tags and attributes to create and structure web pages, this quarter has been a period of learning, development, and acquiring challenges.

    This quarter, I developed a better understanding of HTML's functionality and how it influences a website's structure.  I gained knowledge about the functions of stand-alone and container tags as well as the significance of these tags and their attributes, including how to work with tables to arrange data and how to create links using the <a>  tag and the href attribute. In order to manipulate text and produce visually pleasing pages, I also learned how to add style in elements like fonts, colors, and sizes using tags like <font>, <b> , <i>, etc. Working with backgrounds, frames, images, and many more was an especially exciting experience because it imparted the websites I made with more dynamic elements. Throughout all of this, I used Notepad as my HTML editor, which gave me a hands-on approach to understanding the basic structure of HTML files.

  

 I ran into certain challenges while I was learning HTML coding, especially with slow computers. Performance problems occasionally made it difficult for me to work effectively, delaying tasks or HTML file testing. Overall progress was slowed down as a result, particularly when adjusting or viewing the results in a browser.

    In order to overcome these challenges, I developed my patience and organizational skills. To prevent feeling overwhelmed, I focused on managing my time wisely by prioritizing tasks and setting achievable goals for each period given per day. I also ensured that I maintained a steady pace, balancing my time between coding and reviewing my work to stay efficient. I also discovered that testing small code segments rather than large ones and saving my work as soon as I can, often prevented frustration and made it simpler to spot problems as they appeared, giving me more time to edit the errors I may have missed.

    I want to continue building on the foundation I laid this quarter. I want to get faster and more proficient at coding by practicing frequently and learning HTML syntax. In order to make my websites both useful and aesthetically pleasing, I also plan to experiment with various layouts and design approaches if time will permit. While slow computers were a challenge this quarter, I now know how to adapt and manage my time better, and moving forward, I will continue to apply these lessons to overcome any obstacles that come my way. 

    To conclude, this quarter has taught me various valuable learning experiences. Despite the challenges, I’ve gained a thorough understanding of HTML and the tools needed to create functional, engaging web pages. I’m excited to continue learning and improving my skills in the coming quarters. 

Two Quarters Down!  

Hustisya para sa Pagdurusa ng mga Biktima ng Karahasan Laban sa Kababaihan

    Every 3 out of 10 women worldwide have endured the devastating reality of physical or sexual violence, a stark reminder that it's time to break the silence and confront the global crisis of violence against women. In the Philippines, the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey found that almost one in five women experience sexual, physical, or emotional abuse at the hands of their intimate partners. The lived experiences of multiple individuals whose voices must be heard are represented by these figures, which go beyond simple statistics.

    Not only do victims of violence against women suffer, but their communities and societies are also influenced. In order to address this issue, laws like the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (R.A. 9262) are essential because they protect survivors and provide them with justice while also raising awareness and encouraging accountability. Unwavering dedication to creating safe spaces and enabling women to recover their rights and dignity is necessary to address this crisis.

    One of the most urgent social problems in the Philippines continues to be violence against women (VAW). 17.5% of Filipino women between the ages of 15 and 49 report having been the victims of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse at the hands of their intimate partners, according to the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). With 1,791 rape cases, 1,505 acts of lasciviousness, and 8,399 physical violence cases recorded in 2021 alone, the statistics are truly concerning. These figures, however, only scratch the surface because of a widespread "culture of silence," which prevents many cases from being reported. Women tend to keep quiet out of shame, fear, or a lack of faith in the legal system, which allows the cycle of violence to continue uncontrolled.

    VAW has a profound effect on families and communities in addition to its individual victims. Women suffer terrible consequences that range from physical injury to severe emotional and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Families suffer because VAW fosters an environment of instability and fear, and children frequently carry the emotional scars of seeing such violence, which may result in behavioral problems and a higher chance of experiencing or committing acts of violence in the future. Communities experience social and economic instability on a larger scale. Women who experience violence might find it difficult to enter the workforce, and the nation spends billions of dollars every year on dealing with the fallout, which includes medical care, counseling, and legal actions.

    The progression of VAW emphasizes how urgently we must act as a team. Society must address the underlying causes by opposing damaging gender norms, advancing equality, and making sure that strong systems are in place to protect women and hold offenders accountable, in addition to providing support to individual survivors. Ending VAW is crucial for building stronger communities, healthier families, and a more peaceful society—it is not just about justice for individuals.

    The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (R.A. 9262) includes provisions for economic, psychological, sexual, and physical abuse. Sexual violence encompasses acts such as sexual harassment and rape, whereas physical violence involves bodily harm or the threat of harm. Emotional abuse, threats, and dominating actions are examples of psychological violence, while economic abuse aims to control or isolate the woman financially. By offering legal protections like the ability to file criminal complaints and apply for protection orders (Barangay Protection Orders, Temporary, and Permanent Protection Orders), this law empowers women. It protects victims' rights to child custody and safety, and it punishes violators with fines as well as jail time. R.A. 9262 provides victims with assistance and legal options to leave abusive relationships, safeguarding their well-being and that of their children.

    The Anti-Rape Law of 1997, Republic Act 8353, radically reinterprets rape as a crime against a person rather than merely a violation of virginity. It broadens the definition to encompass sexual assault involving any object or body part as well as acts carried out by compulsion, threat, or force. Anyone with knowledge of the crime can now prosecute someone for rape, even if the victim withdraws or pardons the perpetrator. Marital rape is also recognized by the law and carries harsh penalties, such as reclusion perpetua (20 to 40 years imprisonment). By raising the legal age of sexual consent to 16, the 2022 amendment (R.A. 11648) strengthens safeguards against sexual exploitation of minors.

    The Safe Spaces Act of 2019, also known as Republic Act 11313, addresses gender-based sexual harassment in public places, workplaces, online settings, and educational or training facilities. It expands what constitutes to sexual harassment including lewd remarks, stalking, wolf-whistling, catcalling, and online harassment like cyberstalking and sharing explicit content without permission. In order to guarantee that people of all genders can freely move through public areas without worrying about harassment, the law defines important terms like gender-based harassment, gender identity, and public spaces. Public officials, educational institutions, and employers are also required to develop preventative measures and hold offenders accountable. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, offenders may face fines or jail time, which promotes safer environments for women and other marginalized genders.

    Education is essential for raising awareness of laws that protect women, like the R.A. 9262 as well as other relevant laws. We enable people to take action against violence by educating them about their legal rights and remedies. Since both individuals and organizations can provide resources, support victims, and execute campaigns to increase awareness of violence against women (VAW), community involvement is equally important. By uniting, we present a unified front against this problem. In order to provide victims with prompt justice and discourage future offenders, the government and law enforcement must also make sure that these laws are implemented effectively.

    Making a difference requires taking part in the 18-day campaign against VAW. Everyone can help combat gender-based violence by raising awareness, offering support to survivors, and pushing for reform. To make sure victims get the assistance they require, distribute resources like hotlines, counseling services, and legal aid. By working together, we can establish a culture that values and protects women. Involving everyone is essential to putting an end to violence and creating a society that is less dangerous and more.

    To sum up, in order to protect women and combat violence against them, R.A. 9262 and other relevant laws are essential. Ending VAW requires a shared responsibility at the legal, social, and personal levels in addition to legislative changes. We can all live in a safer and more risk-free society if we band together, help victims, and advance education.

References:

Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). Violence against women. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://pcw.gov.ph/violence-against-women/

  World Health Organization. (n.d.). Violence against women. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women

  Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). FAQ: RA 8353 – An act expanding the definition of the crime of rape. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-ra-8353-an-act-expanding-the-definition-of-crime-and-rape/

Situation of Children. (n.d.). Republic Act No. 11648: An act raising the age of sexual consent. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://situationofchildren.org/latest-evidence/all-reports/publication/republic-act-no-11648-act-raising-age-sexual-consent#:~:text=11648%20increases%20the%20age%20of,below%2016%2C%20regardless%20of%20consent.

Supreme Court of the Philippines. (n.d.). Republic Act No. 11648: An Act raising the age of sexual consent. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/94255

Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (2019, April 17). Republic Act No. 11313: Safe spaces act. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11313_2019.html

Redirect Notice. (n.d.-w). COVID-19 and violence against women: What the data tells us. UN Women.

 Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/feature-story/2021/11/covid-19-and-violence-against-women-what-the-data-tells-us

Council of Europe. (n.d.). Feminism and women’s rights movements. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.coe.int/en/web/gender-matters/feminism-and-women-s-rights-movements

OpenGlobalRights. (n.d.). The forgotten origins of women’s rights are human rights. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.openglobalrights.org/the-forgotten-origins-of-womens-rights-are-human-rights/

  Philippine Information Agency. (2022, December 11). VAWC: Ang isang publikong krimen [Infographic]. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://mirror.pia.gov.ph/infographics/2022/12/11/ang-vawc-ay-isang-publikong-krimen

  AJA Law. (n.d.). Acts of VAWC. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.ajalaw.ph/actsofvawc/

  Philippine Commission on Women. (2019, June 18). 18-day campaign logo [Image]. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://pcw.gov.ph/assets/files/2019/06/18-day-campaign-logo_72-1024x996.png

United Nations. (n.d.). International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: Background. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day/background

  Facebook. (n.d.). [Description of the image] [Image]. Facebook. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=584443458855633&id=191809564785693

Gota De Leche. (n.d.). Safe spaces act (Bawal Bastos Law). Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://www.gotadeleche.ph/safe-spaces-act-bawal-bastos-law/

Just Peace The Hague. (n.d.). International Women's Day. Retrieved December 4, 2024, from https://justpeacethehague.com/en/theme/international-womens-day