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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

ONE SOUND ONE VOICE, ONE ILOCOS SUR

 


Kannawidan Ylocos is a yearly festival that celebrates the founding anniversary of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. The festival takes place every February 2nd and is celebrated for a week. The main activities of the festival are held in Vigan, the capital of the province. The festival was first launched in 2008 by Deogracias Victor Savellano. The word "Kannawidan" comes from the word  "tawid" which means tradition, legacy, and/or heritage. Kannawidan, or the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, is a vital celebration in Ilocos Sur as it showcases and keeps alive the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocano people. It provides a venue for the promotion of traditional practices of the province, from dance and music to crafts and foods. Through the promotion of local products like abel textiles, pottery, and furniture, the festival promotes local artisans and enterprises. It is also tourist-attracting, and it encourages people to come and support the local economy. The activity supports community solidarity since it unites people from all towns for its celebration, infusing pride in their cultural heritage. Furthermore, Kannawidak provides learning through the education of the younger generation about their origin, hence, the sustainability of these practices in the future.



The Kannawidan Festival is intended to commemorate, maintain, and enhance the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocanos. It seeks to promote traditional Ilocano customs, such as music, dance, cuisine, crafts, and local products, so that they can be transmitted from generation to generation. The festival also hopes to enhance local tourism and stimulate the local economy by advertising regional enterprises and artisans. In addition, it is also a time of communal solidarity that reunites the population to celebrate their cultural heritage as well as teaching the youth their traditions.



To encourage heritage-only tourism in ''Intayon Ilocos Sur'', the area must project its cultural and historical icons. Vigan City, which has intact Spanish colonial architecture, should be showcased, along with Syquia Mansion and Crisologo Museum, which depict the history of the place. Cultural events, like Kannawidan, can be advertised to feature indigenous dances, handicrafts, and native customs. The conservation and promotion of Ilocos Sur's historical churches, including the St. Paul's Cathedral and Santa Maria Church, will appeal to history buffs. Furthermore, the promotion of heritage walking tours in Vigan and highlighting traditional crafts such as abel weaving and pottery can also enhance visitors' affinity with the cultural heritage of the area.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPhilippineSTAR%2Fposts%2Flook-as-part-of-kannawidan-ylocos-festival-students-representing-the-different-b%2F1643842212436120%2F&psig=AOvVaw0-XhN79AK-vU7MeiBxrwFH&ust=1740109590032000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCPCHydKr0YsDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAZ

Redirect notice. (n.d.-c). https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnboi.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fkannawidan-festival-of-ilocos-sur.html&psig=AOvVaw0-XhN79AK-vU7MeiBxrwFH&ust=1740109590032000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCPCHydKr0YsDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAh

Redirect notice. (n.d.-d). https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPhilippineSTAR%2Fposts%2Flook-as-part-of-kannawidan-ylocos-festival-students-representing-the-different-b%2F1643842212436120%2F&psig=AOvVaw0-XhN79AK-vU7MeiBxrwFH&ust=1740109590032000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCPCHydKr0YsDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAp


Saturday, February 15, 2025

I thought Valentine’s Day was supposed to be about love, but instead, I found myself wiping away tears, feeling like the villain in a story I didn’t even write.

 Valentine’s Day is often romanticized as a day of love, grand gestures, and perfect moments, but in reality, it can be anything but. The pressure to make it special can lead to high expectations, and when things don’t go as planned, it can feel incredibly disappointing. Whether it’s an awkward date, an unappreciated effort, or an unexpected embarrassment, the day can sometimes leave a lasting sting instead of a warm memory. Social media only adds to this, making it seem like everyone else is having a perfect day while you’re left dealing with something frustrating or painful.




Embarrassment on a day like Valentine’s can be especially tough because emotions are heightened. When things go wrong, whether it’s a misunderstanding, rejection, or just bad luck, it can feel like all eyes are on you. But the truth is, moments of embarrassment pass, and most people are too caught up in their own lives to dwell on what happened to someone else. What feels huge now will eventually become a story to look back on, even if it doesn’t seem that way yet.





At the end of the day, love isn’t about one particular date on the calendar, it’s about the connections we build over time. True affection isn’t measured by Valentine’s gifts or public displays of romance, but by kindness, consistency, and care throughout the year. A single bad experience doesn’t define your worth or the love you deserve. No matter how painful or embarrassing Valentine’s Day was, it’s just one day, and better moments are still ahead.





“I gave my heart, and in return, I was left alone with my tears—watched, judged, and made to feel like I was never enough.”



IPA 2015 Winner / Roses in decay / Gregoris Mentzas. (n.d.). https://www.photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-90343-15




Monday, February 10, 2025

My journey!

 A CBR project is an effort of both privilege and responsibility. It enables us to learn about and bring forth the special identity, challenges, and potential of a community while fostering enhanced understanding of its dynamics. We, therefore, realize, through this research, the value that accrues from collaboration, extending from the very core and founded on partnership with members of the community, whose insight and participation are of the highest value.

There are a few important lessons: every community has a great story to tell, be it in their culture, traditions, livelihood, and struggles. That also means we, as researchers, not only document the stories but also contribute to solutions for the local concerns. For example, research in such aspects of disaster preparedness, health problems, or economic challenges may give rise to very concrete recommendations actionable solutions for empowering communities to succeed.

This journey is also a lesson in learning to respect divergent viewpoints. The exposure to different people, their stories, and experiences really helps in developing empathy and a wider perspective of the world. Moreover, the process of gathering data, organizing findings, and presenting them creatively through photographs, videos, or written conclusions enhances our critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Most of all, this project shows us that we are connected. Problems that one community faces are felt by others, and together we can make ripples of change for the better. Community-based research is not just an academic exercise; it's a meaningful contribution to building stronger, resilient, and inclusive communities.

This project reinforced the significance of listening and understanding. Engaging with the community and hearing their stories reminded me of the importance of empathy and respect. Their willingness to share their knowledge, struggles, and dreams inspired me to work harder to ensure that our research would truly benefit them.

As a leader, I have grown not only in skills but also in character. I am proud of what our team has accomplished, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this meaningful initiative. I am confident that the lessons what’ve learned from this experience will guide us in future endeavors and will leave a lasting impact on both the community and ourselves.



The ordered and unordered list lesson in HTML was very challenging yet fulfilling. First, it was really hard to type in the syntax correctly concerning how to order and format the <ol>, <ul>, and <li> tags properly. This took a lot of attention and patience, for one had to see how each tag worked with the others to create these structured lists, be they numbered, bulleted, or even custom-styled with Roman numerals or letters. Foreign to me was this idea of starting ordered lists at a specific number or customizing them with attributes like start. It took extra effort on my part to understand.

This also included exploring nested lists, which added another layer of complexity in which I had to handle the hierarchy very carefully to ensure the visual output matched the structure I was aiming for. These difficulties notwithstanding, this experience deepened my understanding of how HTML can be used to organize and present information effectively. It taught me accuracy, since even the tiniest mistake in the syntax might turn into something different or broken entirely. Such activities have further intensified my technical potential while underlining important life and developmental values persistent diligence so very central in web development. I now feel confident to work on creating and troubleshooting lists in HTML and look forward to putting into practice what has been presented.




Sunday, February 2, 2025

My Community-Based-Research Journey! Thematic Output ( 3rd quarter )

📍Bulala, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Brgy. Captains house.
 📆 January 13, 2025
 ⏱️ 11:03 AM

Insights from the Barangay Captain

In this photo, I am seen interviewing the Barangay Captain of Bulala. We discussed various aspects of the community, including its challenges and strengths. We had a great time discussing the rich history of Barangay Bulala, which provided us with a deeper appreciation of its heritage. He also shared why Bulala is one of the most visited places in the area it boasts scenic spots, a vibrant community, and a strong cultural identity that draws people from far and wide. The conversation was enlightening and gave us a clearer perspective on how to align our research.



📍Ilocos Sur National High School, Vigan City
📆 January 8, 2025
 ⏱️ 12:36 NOON

Strategizing in the Computer Room

In this picture, our group gathered in the computer lab to brainstorm and plan for our community-based research project. The room was filled with energy as we exchanged ideas and worked together to map out our strategies. It was such an incredible experience to collaborate with my groupmates. Everyone contributed their thoughts and worked towards a shared goal. The atmosphere was a perfect balance of productivity and fun, laughter, discussions, and a few snapshots like this one captured the momentThis session showed me how powerful teamwork can be, and i’m genuinely excited for the next steps in our project. Here’s to more learning and success ahead!


📍Hidden Garden, Vigan City
📆 January 12, 2025
 ⏱️ 2:12 PM

Navigating Local Spaces to Connect with Residents

Here, my groupmates and I gathered at the serene and beautiful Hidden Garden in Vigan City. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful vibes, we discussed our strategy for distributing survey forms to the locals in the area as part of our community-based research project. The natural setting provided the perfect environment to focus and share ideas. It was a meaningful moment of collaboration, and being here reminded us of the importance of connecting with the community while working toward our goals.


📍Hidden Garden, Vigan City
📆 January 12, 2025
⏱️ 2:12 PM

Connecting Through Questionnaires

In this particular moment, my groupmate Chloe took the lead in distributing our carefully prepared survey forms to the locals. This step was a key part of our community-based research, as it allowed us to gather valuable insights from the community. The interaction was smooth and well-organized, thanks to everyone’s dedication and effort. Seeing our project come to life through direct engagement with people was both rewarding and inspiring. This experience reinforced the importance of collaboration, communication, and respect for the community we aim to serve. Onward to more milestones in our research journey.


📍Hidden Garden, Vigan City
📆 January 12, 2025
⏱️ 2:12 PM

A Glimpse Into Greenery and Community

While conducting our community-based research, my groupmate Precious captured this serene shot. The image showcases a lush green environment with towering tropical plants and vibrant foliage, radiating life and tranquility. Amidst the natural splendor, we were deeply engaged in interviewing residents, listening to their stories, and understanding their community’s dynamics. The dense greenery reflects the symbiotic relationship between people and their environment, a reminder of how nature and humanity coexist. In the background, a faint glimpse of a resident can be seen, symbolizing the heart of our mission, connecting with people and their experiences. This photo beautifully encapsulates the harmony of nature and the essence of our research journey.



A Journey of Learning and Connection

-Our community-based research was more than just a project. It was an eye-opening experience filled with meaningful interactions, discoveries, and lessons. From engaging with residents to understanding the community’s challenges and strengths, every step brought us closer to the people we aimed to serve. This journey taught us the value of teamwork, empathy, and active listening. It showed us that research isn’t just about data, it’s about stories, relationships, and making a positive impact. It’s an experience we’ll carry with us, shaping how we approach the world and the communities around us.

CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECIAL

 Chinese New Year, more commonly known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is one of the biggest festivals in the Chinese culture. The Philippines celebrates it rather splendidly, but basically, it is observed mainly in China and other Chinese communities around the globe. Though the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, its people celebrate Chinese New Year with much enthusiasm, joining in traditions such as dragon dances, fireworks, and eating lucky foods. But why are Filipinos celebrating this holiday? This can be attributed to the country's long history of Chinese influence, love of festivities, and belief in good luck and prosperity.

 (n.d.). https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fchinesenewyear.net%2Flunar-new-year-2025-guide-year-of-the-snake%2F&psig=AOvVaw2B9cqs_3zXjGkFC_hq9UTX&ust=1738571339559000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCMjCv4vJpIsDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE


The history of Chinese influence in the Philippines is very much rooted in pre-colonial times, where Chinese merchants would trade goods with native Filipinos. With the passing of time, many Chinese immigrants stayed behind, intermarried with locals, and built their own communities in places like Binondo, officially considered the world's oldest Chinatown. Now, the Chinese-Filipino or Tsinoy community holds a very prominent position in business, politics, and culture of Philippine society today. As a result, many Chinese traditions, such as the Chinese New Year, also became part of Filipino fiestas. It was said that the Filipinos were very festive by nature; having some of the longest and most festive holidays in the world. They just love flocking together and sharing food and laughter with relatives and friends at any given day, from Christmas to local festivities. Chinese New Year gives another opportunity for Filipinos to celebrate, since the colorful parades, fireworks, and traditional foods like tikoy (sticky rice cake) and dumplings are attuned to their festive spirit. Even non-Chinese Filipinos join in the celebration, believing in its positive energy and communal joy.

The Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year not only because the country has a strong Chinese influence but also because they are born lovers of festivities and naturally believe in luck and prosperity. Through the years, it has metamorphosed from a purely Chinese event to an occasion for merriment that many Filipinos have embraced regardless of their heritage. With the coming of Chinese New Year 2025, Filipinos will once again be open-armed, welcoming the event with food, family, and hopes of having a prosperous year.

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Vigan Cityhood - Vigan as a Municipality then and Vigan as a City now

 The history of Vigan from being a municipality to its recognition as a city is a testament to its rich history, culture, and development. Located in the province of Ilocos Sur, Vigan is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, making it a unique blend of historical charm and modern progress. Let us delve into the story of Vigan, tracing its roots as a municipality and exploring its growth as a city. Back then, 1758 “ Inilipat ang DIOCESE of Nueve Segovia Mula Sa Lal-Lo Cagayan” This is a proof that vigan is important for spanish people. At the same time, KING Ferdinand the IV of Spain released a royal decree declaring that Villa Fernandina de Vigan would become Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan.


                                                              Image mine

During its time as a municipality, Vigan was already the confluence of culture and history. Founded during the Spanish colonial period, it served as an administrative center and a busy trading post. The cobblestone streets, ancestral houses, and baroque-style churches that dot the area today were founded in that era under the influence of Spanish architecture and urban planning. Vigan had relied heavily on small-scale businesses and agriculture as a municipality. Farmers, potters, and weavers became the main drivers of the local economy. Despite its low economic activity, Vigan's historical significance and its position as a regional cultural hub have made it significant.
One of the most important periods in Vigan's history was the city's transformation from a municipality. Following the approval of the conversion in a plebiscite by the local population, Vigan became a city on January 22, 2001, by virtue of Republic Act No. 9411. This feat gave Vigan the institutional and infrastructural uplift, thus giving more access to its people to better governance and services.



                                                                   Image from facebook

One of the major forces that pushed Vigan to cityhood is heritage. Realizing its outstanding historical value, Vigan was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, a year before it was declared a city. From then on, it called for sustainable development while preserving its heritage and economy.
 Today, Vigan City is a shining example of how heritage and progress can be made to coexist harmoniously. The place has joined the ranks of modernization without compromising its cultural identity. Its economy has diversified, with tourism at the very center. Every year, thousands of tourists go from all over the world to Vigan to enjoy the Heritage Crisologo, regional handicrafts, and real Ilocano food. Vigan has also advanced as a city in terms of infrastructure and government. The standard of living for its citizens has increased as a result of investments in public services, health care, and education. In order to promote sustainable urban growth, the city has put rules into place that will protect its historical landmarks.

Monday, January 6, 2025

Countdown: 2025

 A new year brings with it, of course, the feeling of a fresh start. My New Year's resolution is to make my life good and change my attitude. This light but impactful goal shall be my foundation in 2024, guiding me toward positivity and personal growth.

First and foremost, I'm going to work with my mind. I will be grateful each day for what I have instead of fretting over what is lacking. This change in perspective will make me more appreciative of life and resilient when faced with challenges. Likewise, I want to be more mindful of the way I speak and act in regard to good intention and understanding.

Improving my relationships is another priority. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, I’ll make an effort to listen more, communicate better, and nurture meaningful connections. Building stronger bonds with others not only enhances their lives but also enriches my own.

Lastly, I will welcome growth by stepping out of my comfort zone. It would simply mean trying new things, taking up responsibilities that I used to say no to, and making mistakes along the way. Every step forward is a step in the direction of becoming the best version of me.

Watching the fireworks light up the night sky and usher in 2024, I felt hope and determination. This year is about celebrating every little and trying to make every day count. Cheers to a transformative year ahead!




ONE SOUND ONE VOICE, ONE ILOCOS SUR

  Kannawidan Ylocos is a yearly festival that celebrates the founding anniversary of Ilocos Sur, Philippines.  The festival takes place ever...