2nd Quarter Reflection

Everyone has their own style of learning. While for some, they are still struggling with the new set-up and faced obstacles that surely affected their studies. For this quarter, we focused on HTML Tags. This lessons were not something I was interested in, I was scared to do it because I am scared of failing, which is my bad trait. Going on, I tried it for the first time and was struggling. Luckily, I had friends who are willing to help and teach me on what am I going to do. Weeks past by, I enjoyed my activities and improved.

Aside from doing HTML Tags on the notepad, I gained more confidence in writing up my opinion and feeling on the internet, and being vigilant every step of the way. Making blogs every other week changed my perspective in life and made me reflect on how I am improving as a person. I am learning more facts and learned to appreciate our heritage and what our ancestors left us to remember who we truly are. 

Moving on, I will be a better student knowing the pros and cons of our new learning set-up. I will adapt and excel on the next quarter. I'll lessen my procrastinations and will have more confidence. I know that I am not alone because I have my teacher and classmates to help me out. 

Why Valentine?

 I get curious why we celebrate love on the 14th of February annually. 

Photo by: Wikipedia

Valentinus, a Roman priest, was imprisoned and sentenced to death. His last act before death was to write a love letter to the woman who visited him regularly while he was incarcerated. "From your Valentine," he signed the letter, and it has since been regarded as the first Valentine's Day card in history. Valentinus died on February 14, 269 A.D., and several hundred years later Pope Gelasius declared his death date would be known as St. Valentine's Day.

Centuries past by until the 19th Century, people started writing and giving away mass-produced greeting cards. It somehow became a tradition and people made different kinds of gestures in showing off their love. As years came by, people have made ways to express their love in different gestures and words.

Some might find this cheesy but it was made to at least remind us all that we are loved, that we love one another. People are happy and makes life better because it reminds us that love can be celebrated with either family, friends, or even your significant other. The pureness of our heart and the uniqueness of expressing our love is a proof  that no matter how big or small your act of kindness to someone can change their lives. For better or for worse, love keeps us alive. For me, Valentine's Day should be every day because it has a big impact on our lives on how we become better.

Photo by: shesays.com

History Continues!

Ilocos Sur is a lovely province in Luzon's northern portion. A province with a diverse culture that reflects ancient Spanish and Filipino influences. To show and share their treasures with the rest of the world, the locals created the "Kannadiwan Festival," which showcases these cultural traditions. 

Teenagers get excited for this festival because of its exciting contests and late night concerts with some of the best bands and singers in the country, experience food booths and explore the youth's God-given talents. The Kannawidan Festival is an annual event that takes place from the last days of January to the first week of February. This event commemorates the province of Ilocos Sur's birthday. This festival is significant to all of the province's residents, as it commemorates the establishment of Ilocos Sur as a province by Royal Decree on February 3, 1818.

Despite the pandemic's effects, the Kannawidan Festival was thankfully still celebrated. Unlike previous years, however, this year's event was marked in a novel manner. Health protocols are strictly enforced by the provincial government, including the wearing of face masks and face shields, social distancing, and the prohibition of mass meetings.

Treasures Hidden in the North

 

Our diverse cultures are the reason we hold wonderful festivals with calming musicals, showcasing talents, and bringing joy to visitors and locals alike. The Vigan Longganisa Festival is held every year on January 25th. Vigan locals celebrate their rich heritage throughout the year with a variety of festivals.

Photo by: www.skyscapercity.com

The festivals honor Vigan's culture while also upholding the city's customs. The Ilocanos' happy and vivid way of life is reflected in these vivid and grand festivals. The feast of St. Paul's conversion is commemorated with a city-wide festival. The feast falls on the same day as the city's longganisa festival, which celebrates one of Vigan's major goods.

Several events are held during the week-long festival, including a longganisa cook fest, a marching band festival, and many others. Biguenos from all over the country, as well as from other nations, flock to Vigan to celebrate their fiesta with their families and friends, as is traditional for Filipinos. Thousands of visitors from all over the Philippines and other countries are expected to attend.

This year has seen a lot of modifications from the previous year. We were unable to celebrate it with fancy gatherings and hilarious parades due to our various struggles. Despite the COVID-19, the government was able to establish protocols for the new Vigan Longganisa Festival in 2021, ensuring public safety. To feel the love and joy in this year’s festival, they have set up parades in vehicles and used social media to showcase a new normal celebration of Vigan Fiesta.