Sure, One Ilocos Sur!

 

The Kannawidan Festival, is annually held in Ilocos Sur. This is more than just a vibrant celebration, it's a powerful testament to the region's rich cultural heritage, resilience, and enduring spirit. Today, we will explore the significance of the festival, its historical origins, its socio-economic impact, and its role in preserving Ilocano identity in the face of modernization."Kannawidan" itself signifies a great connection to the Ilocano heritage and language, the Kannawidan Festival in Ilocos Sur is important since it celebrates the founding anniversary of the province, so promoting and preserving the rich Ilocano culture, traditions, and legacy through many festivities, so fostering a strong sense of identity and unity among the Ilocano people while showcasing the unique aspects of their history and language. 

https://www.traveltothephilippines.info/2015/06/04/join-the-celebration-of-kannawidan-festival-in-ilocos-sur/

However, the Kannawidan Festival is significant for reasons other than economic and cultural. It promotes a sense of solidarity and unity among the people of Ilocos Sur. The festival brings together people from various backgrounds, resulting in a shared experience that promotes social relationships and fosters a sense of community. The collective efforts required to create and carry out the event encourage teamwork and cooperation, which strengthens the community's fabric. This sense of unity is essential for handling the challenges of modern living while preserving the region's distinct character.

https://mis.ilocossur.gov.ph/2023/02/12/the-ilocos-sur-kannawidan-festival-2023-street-dance-competition/

To put it simply, the Kannawidan Festival of Ilocos Sur is much more than just a celebration, it is a multifaceted event that is inextricably linked to the region's history, economy, and cultural identity. Its relevance stems from its ability to conserve traditions, stimulate the local economy, and build a strong sense of community. As Ilocos Sur grows, the Kannawidan Festival will be an important emblem of its enduring spirit and a monument to the power of cultural preservation in a constantly changing world.

Pink roses are the purest

Hearts Day. For some reason, it's all about hearts, flowers, and expensive dinners. For me, it's always been a little different. I'm more of a "spend with family, friends or my love oney" kind of person, and this year was no exception. My focus was on my self and loving my self more.

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In the morning, i started to wake up at 6:30 in the morning and getting ready to go to school– It set the tone for a day that felt exciting.

The most meaningful thing I did was giving my friends and my family a flower, i gave them flowers as a form of giving thanks to them and loving them genuinely. It was important because they are part of my life and i cared about them.

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Another thing I did to show I cared when my love of my life gave me flowers and i received it by his cousin, yes from his cousin because he's not here with me to celebrate Valentine's Day but it was all fine. The flowers that he gave me are my favorite flowers which is "Pink Roses". This actually mattered to me because even we're apart, he still managed to give me flowers and show his affection for me, I am really thankful for having him in my life.

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The day was about appreciating things and loving each other day by day and giving flowers to love ones everyday not just Valentine's Day, to show that you care and love that person and how important that person to your life.

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So yeah, my Valentine's Day wasn't about a dozen roses or a fancy restaurant. It was about showing love in a way that felt pure and meaningful, and a lot of memories were created. And that's what made it special for my Valentine's Day. ⁠♡

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Doon PO sa Amin, Buhay ay sa karagatan nagmumula: fishing: our source of living

The team, meeting for the first time, is full of energy and ready to tackle our research project on Community-Based Research. We were a mix of personalities, but our shared passion for Doon PO sa Amin, Buhay ay sa karagatan nagmumula: fishing: our source of living bonded us quickly.

Brainstorming sessions were intense but fun! We spent hours discussing our research questions, methodology, and potential challenges. The collaborative spirit was infectious.

Our journey began with a visit to the community we were researching. We met with local leaders to discuss the focus of our study and understand the needs of the people. This moment was filled with anticipation and excitement. Everyone was eager to contribute their knowledge to make a difference.

Conducting interviews and gathering data. It was challenging to navigate cultural differences and ensure ethical research practices, but we learned so much in the process.

Celebration time! We worked incredibly hard, and it was so rewarding to finally reach the finish line. We learned so much, not just about our community-based research topic, but about teamwork, collaboration, and the importance of community engagement. The end of a chapter, the beginning of many more. This experience has shaped me as a researcher and a person. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for my amazing team.

Closing the Chapter: Q3 Reflections

This quarter has been a whirlwind of learning! I've discovered the fascinating world of HTML tags and how they're the building blocks of web pages. I started with the basics – understanding how tags work, how to create headings, paragraphs, and links. Then, I moved on to more complex elements like images, tables, and forms. The most exciting part was learning how to structure content using nested and un-nested lists. I now understand how to create organized and visually appealing lists to present information effectively. I can now confidently create simple, yet functional web pages.

Initially, remembering all the different HTML tags and their attributes was a challenge. The syntax can be a bit tricky, and it was easy to make mistakes, like forgetting closing tags or misplacing attributes. I also struggled with properly nesting lists. Debugging my code was sometimes frustrating, especially when dealing with unexpected display issues. I tackled the challenge of remembering HTML tags by simply creating flashcards and using online resources. When I encountered errors, I used the browser's developer tools to inspect the HTML and identify the source of the problem. I also found that working through tutorials and examples helped me grasp the concepts better. For nested lists, I started with simple examples and gradually increased the complexity.

Moving forward, I plan to explore more advanced HTML concepts, such as semantic HTML, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for interactivity. I want to build more complex and visually appealing web pages, i will also continue practicing regularly, focusing on improving my debugging skills and deepening my understanding of HTML's structure and semantics. I aim to explore responsive web design principles to ensure my web pages are accessible across different devices.

Red For Wealth!

 Well, you want to ask why Filipinos are celebrating Chinese New Year? And it’s not just about the firecrackers. “It’s a much deeper, richer story that is built into the very fabric of our culture.” To put it another way, consider a mouthwatering adobo it’s uniquely Filipino yet with Spanish and Chinese inflections. Chinese New Year is a little bit like that, a delicious mix of traditions.

https://www.parents.com/celebrate-lunar-new-year-7092082

It all dates back to centuries ago, when Chinese traders and settlers arrived in the Philippines. They carried not only their wares, but also their customs and beliefs. With time, these customs intertwined with our own, and what blossomed was a unique Filipino-Chinese culture that still thrives today. It’s not only about heritage, either many Filipinos even those with no direct Chinese ancestry, join in the festivities. Why? Because it's fun! And because it has become part of who we are.

https://www.newsweek.com/chinese-new-year-tiger-what-lunar-new-year-how-celebrated-1674840

Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year as some people refer to it, isn’t just a holiday it’s a feeling. That feeling of family reuniting, the comforting smell of tikoy the thrill of receiving ang pao or they call it  lucky money!. It is about wishing for good fortune and success in the coming year, dreams and aspirations we all hold, no matter the background.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/10-lunar-new-year-facts-help-answer-your-pressing-questions-n710646

It is true? It has gotten a little commercialized, red fills the malls, and business is certainly playing on the festive spirit. Yet for all the commercial trappings, the essence of the occasion — a time for family and friends, good food and good wishes —endures. It stands as a reminder, so based on with so many differences of cultures and beliefs, we are still able to rejoice together, a message of hope and renewal. So when you next come across a Filipino celebrating the Lunar New Year don’t just see firecrackers and red frilly lanterns, see a gorgeous amalgam of cultures, a testament to our common humanity forever reminding us of our own humanity and a whole lot of fun.

The Hidden Gem: Vigan City

 Vigan's transformation from a busy municipality to a flourishing city is evidence of its resilience and strategic significance. Vigan, which was founded during the Spanish colonial era, swiftly rose to prominence as a major commerce hub thanks to its distinctive architecture, which intriguingly combines indigenous and Spanish influences. It laid the groundwork for its future prosperity as a municipality by promoting cultural and economic development. Its vital economy and advantageous coastline location guaranteed its ongoing significance in the area.

https://nojuanisanisland.com/2015/03/08/heritage-city-of-vigan/

One important turning event was the achievement of cityhood in 1948. A more intricate administrative framework was brought about by this higher status, which made it possible to provide its expanding population with better infrastructure and services. The preservation of Vigan's rich legacy was given top priority by the city's leaders, who a knowledged its enormous cultural significance. International renown would eventually result from this dedication to conservation.

https://getaway.ph/blog/arts-and-culture/explore-old-world-vigan-for-a-dose-of-culture-and-history/

Vigan's historic district was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, marking the pinnacle of its efforts. Vigan's position on the international scene was solidified by this esteemed honor, which also increased tourism and the city's economy. As a tribute to its tenacity and timeless appeal, Vigan is a thriving example of a city that successfully strikes a balance between the demands of modern advancement and the preservation of its rich past.

A Cozy Christmas

This year's Christmas holidays were filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories. I spent most of the holiday season with my family, and it was a time to reflect on all the love and joy we share.

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On Christmas Eve, we gathered at our house to celebrate the Filipino traditional thing that we called "noche buena" together. The familiar scents of "hamon" filled the air as we started to ready the food, each telling a story from past holidays. I loved hearing the old stories from when my siblings and i were younger.

Christmas morning arrived, and with it, the excitement of exchanging gifts. We all sat around the living room, carefully unwrapping presents, with expressions of surprise and joy lighting up our faces. The morning's highlight was when my nephew opened his gift—a huge toy gun he had been dreaming about. His face lit up, and it was priceless to see how much he appreciated it.

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This Christmas was more than just a holiday, it was a beautiful reminder of the importance of spending time with those we care about, celebrating the joy of togetherness, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Later in the day, we invited some close friends over for a Christmas dinner. The house was filled with the sounds of laughter and friendly chatter as we enjoyed a traditional holiday feast. We exchanged stories, played games, and sang along to Christmas carols. The atmosphere was so full of love and joy, it felt like a reminder of what really matters: the connections we share with the people who mean the most to us.

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As we sat around the table, full and content, I couldn't help but feel incredibly grateful for the time spent with loved ones. Christmas is always a reminder to cherish the present moment, appreciate family, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life—whether it’s a good meal, a shared laugh, or a quiet moment of reflection.

"New Year, Better Me"

As the calendar flipped to 2025, I couldn't help but feel a sense of renewal and excitement. The New Year has always felt like a fresh start, a chance to leave behind what no longer serves me and embrace new opportunities. This year, the phrase "New Year, New Me" resonates more than ever as I reflect on the past and plan for the future.

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The celebrations started with a cozy family gathering. We spent New Year’s Eve together, sharing a delicious meal and reminiscing about the good times from the past year. It was a peaceful, joyful evening, and we welcomed 2025 with smiles, hugs, and a sense of gratitude for the people we hold dear. As the clock struck midnight, we made our resolutions, not with pressure or high expectations, but with hope and optimism for the journey ahead.

This year, I’m committed to focusing on personal growth and embracing positive changes. One of my resolutions is to invest more time in self-care and wellness. I plan to prioritize my physical and mental health by establishing a consistent exercise routine and taking time to unwind and recharge. I’ve also decided to dedicate more time to pursuing my hobbies and passions, whether it’s learning a new skill, reading more books, or exploring creative outlets like painting.

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Another big change I’m planning this year is to step outside my comfort zone more often. I want to challenge myself to try new experiences and expand my horizons. Whether it’s traveling to a new destination or taking on a new project at work.

I’m determined to embrace change with an open mind and a positive attitude. Spending more quality time with family is also a top priority. I’ve realized how important it is to nurture these connections, and I plan to make time for regular family get-togethers.

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As I look ahead to 2025, I’m excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and the growth that will come with them. "New Year, New Me" is more than just a cliché—it's about embracing the potential for change, setting meaningful goals, and taking action toward creating the life I want to live. This year, I’m ready to embrace the new beginnings that come with a fresh start.

Decoding HTML: Lessons Learned in the Second Quarter

 Thinking of the second quarter, in which it was decided to learn HTML coding, I see how much I have improved in both technical skills and practical skills, up to this point. This past quarter of work has been enlightening, particularly because I got to see the basics of HTML, which powers web development.

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In the beginning, the ideas of HTML tags, attributes, and elements were too much. A lot to take in, ranging from learning the layout of a webpage to learning semantic HTML elements and how they interact to process coherent layouts. But by the time I got there, I started to understand how all these components combine to form the whole web design and development story.

A very valuable lesson that can be drawn is the role of structure in HTML code. Researching and getting updated on the way to use headings, paragraphs, links, images, and/or lists gave me the concept of how information is structured on a website. I noticed that a neat, properly organized design is not only important for a given page to look good, but it also makes a given page more accessible and searchable by search engine optimization (SEO).

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Another important finding was the need to pay attention to detail. Even a tiny error, like accidentally dropping a tag or forgetting an attribute, can bring the whole page into dysfunction. This has also been a learning experience in terms of patience and precision with coding. It has been a valuable lesson in how even a small part can make a big difference in how well a website functions.

Furthermore, I also realized the benefit of using code editors and web browsers to test and improve my code. Learning by doing live code on the fly, and how what was updated impacted the look and usability of the web page was an aid to understanding. This practical exercise both verified my learning and built my confidence.

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The exercise of learning HTML not only made me understand that the understanding of HTML is a collaborative process but also made me understand that when necessary, help should be sought. Sometimes I was quite stuck or puzzled, but by conducting the research, talking to fellow students, and consulting online materials I was also able to overcome these situations. This also made the concept that coding is a process of trial and error and it is fine to seek assistance more relevant.

In conclusion, the second quarter of learning in HTML coding has also been both difficult and fulfilling. I have learned from them a strong basis in web development which I can expand upon in the future. Looking ahead, I hope to further my learning and explore deeper-level web technologies, but I will never forget the importance of the concepts that I learned in this term.

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I can't wait to expand my coding expertise in the future. Working with HTML and building anything from scratch has been fantastic, therefore I'd like to hone this ability further. Perhaps this will one day be a beneficial pastime or perhaps a job. I'm going to use the lessons I learned this quarter—such as patience, creativity, and teamwork—to every aspect of my life outside of coding.

References:

Blogger. <http://www.blogger.com>

Together We Rise: End Violence, Empower Women

 During the celebration of National Women's Month and the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), it is crucial to acknowledge the continued struggle against gender-based violence that engulfs women in the country in general and the Philippines in particular. Violence Against Women (VAW) is not a purely local phenomenon, but a pandemic of violence worldwide with accounts of 1 in 3 women in the world ever being victims of violence. Almost one-fifth of women in the Philippines have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence perpetrated by their partners. The country has made important efforts to address this problem, especially by the Republic Acts (RAs) which are meant to safeguard women and children from violence.

This blog is on the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 and Republic Act No. 9262. It will critically discuss their significance and further address two key laws that aim to reduce acts of violence against women: RA 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) and RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995).

https://create.vista.com/vectors/Violence-Against-Women/

The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 and RA 9262 The VAWC Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9262) is an epochal measure to fight the entrenched problem of domestic violence in the Philippines. It understands all the types of violence that women and children can be exposed to, including physical, psychological, and economic violence-and offers a legal infrastructure for victim protection.

This act was written to immediately provide relief and safety to victims of violence by making available provisions, including protection orders, and establishing services for survivors. By this act, battered women abused by spouses or partners can get legal relief in the form of temporary protective orders, permitting them to go into and be protected from refuge. The law also underscores the government's obligation to protect women's rights and thus serves as a cornerstone of the Philippines' strategies to prevent women's/girls' domestic violence.

https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/policy/policy-areas/highlighted/violence-against-women-must-be-eliminated

The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (RA 8353) is an important piece of legislation to control the incidence of rape, and it has enlarged the legal scope of rape to cover other instances of sexual violence. Recently, rape has been considered to be only the penetration of the vagina, but this legislation extended the boundaries to include other types of sexual assault, such as oral and anal rape.

The law is important as it is transforming the legal narrative of sexual violence. Noting that rape can take place in a marital relationship and arguing that it is a crime against a person's dignity and not simply a crime against chastity, as previous law held. It guarantees that women even in married couples are no longer the target of rape, an unprecedented change that recognizes women's autonomy and their right to consent. In addition, the law also provided more severe punishments (including the sentence of life imprisonment) to individuals who committed sexual assault, in line with the seriousness of sexual assault and its consequences for victims

https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women_6830238

Another important piece of legislation in the prevention of violence is RA 7877 (Anti - Sexual Harassment Act of 1995) which is discriminately directed at preventing sexual harassment in employment, school, and other places of public access. "Sexual harassment shall be defined as any unwanted sexual behavior or request, which could include all kinds of physical, verbal, or visual misconduct, that could lead to harassment of women", said the law.

Sexual harassment is not confined to physical violence; in addition, it may also take place as a result of sexually suggestive comments, gestures, or soliciting sexual favors as a quid pro quo for professional or academic advancement. RA 7877 is the law requiring schools and companies to have policies and procedures for prevention and response to sexual harassment with appropriate reporting, investigation, and discipline policies. The legislation represents the country’s commitment to providing women with safe havens from sexual violence and exploitation and to fostering an atmosphere in which women are supported to seek justice.

https://oursite-easyread.wwda.org.au/safety-and-violence/facts-about-safety-from-violence/10-facts/

The observance of National Women's Month as well as the 18-day campaign for the end of violence against women is a crucial reminder of the daily fight to eradicate gender-based violence in the society. The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act, and other important statutes such as RA 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law) & RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act), are legal manifestations of the Philippines commitment to defending women and children from violence and discrimination.

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Month: A Time for Recognition, Respect, and Action

 October marks National Indigenous Peoples Month in the Philippines, a time to celebrate the rich diversity, resilience, and contributions of the country's indigenous communities. This year's theme, "Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana" (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge), underscores the importance of recognizing, preserving, and promoting indigenous knowledge systems and practices. This observance serves as a crucial platform to advocate for the rights and cultural integrity of indigenous peoples, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

    As the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) approaches National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024 offers a potent chance to draw attention to the continued hardships and victories of indigenous communities. Enacted in 1997 the IPRA seeks to acknowledge defend and advance indigenous peoples rights to their ancestral lands cultural heritage and self-determination. The advancement of indigenous rights is anchored by this legislation which also offers a framework for guaranteeing their involvement in decisions that impact their communities and way of life. 

https://images.app.goo.gl/xGcjMAmPX9HkGk8y9

       Beyond simple celebration National Indigenous Peoples Month represents a dedication to tackling the structural issues that indigenous communities face. Preserving their ancestral lands and resources fostering economic empowerment guaranteeing access to high-quality healthcare and education and fighting discrimination are all part of this. 

https://images.app.goo.gl/ABv6sLLckaJh7cLU7

     The month promotes a change in perspective by highlighting the significance of indigenous knowledge systems and the benefits of traditional practices in fields such as traditional medicine environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture. It also highlights the necessity of cooperation between the general public and indigenous communities in order to guarantee the preservation and revitalization of indigenous cultural expressions languages and the arts. 

https://images.app.goo.gl/66PtrR6taRSxUehL6