A Stroll in Vigan’s Fiesta Celebrations!

 The Vigan City fiesta is held every January 25, during the feast day of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. Before his conversion, Paul was formerly named Saul and persecuted many Christians before encountering the call of God. During these times is the best to visit the Historical and joyful city of Vigan!

There were many activities that happened during the week before Sunday, which is the Longganisa Festival, which I took photos of since I strolled around Vigan that time and decided to be an audience to the competition.

During the fiesta, there are many activities held in the City. Such as the Longganisa Festivial, a colorful and vibrant street dance that reflects the ilocano's traditions, the loud drums echos our culture and the streets is filled with cheer and smiles! This tradition is held every January 22nd. This celebrates the city's famous Longganisa and to boost tourism.

One of the famous spot in vigan is the Plaza Burgos park! Plaza Burgos is the smaller of the two major plazas in the city of Vigan. It can be found just beside St. Paul's Cathedral's Bell Tower. Many activities are held in this plaza such as the Agriculture night which I went and enjoyed the show! Plaza Burgos is the right place to rest after a long tour around vigan, just sitting and enjoying the calm atmosphere along with the warm breeze!

The Vigan's Carnival is also a must to visit! It's really enjoyable to take a walk there at night and enjoy the Blast full rides! Wel, make sure you're brave though, because I almost couldn't survive a ride, but that what makes it fun isn't it? The food there was also Incredibly delicious, you taste the Ilocano's Empanada, which is a must, and variety of Ilocano foods that you must try! There's also a bargain stalls which you can buy random stuffs at a cheap price!

When visiting Vigan, you can't skip the Calle Crisologo. A place must visit! Stepping in the brick stone street feels like the clock has just taken you back at the pre colonial era. The warm light, warm breeze, and the sound of the Kalesa elevates the ambience of the street! Take your camera out and capture the exquisite architecture of the Calle crisologo!

Source: Vigan.ph https://share.google/iTIddapfDF2mG63Qn

Source: Vigan.ph https://share.google/xZSDprQDjLiOqJNhS

My 3r Quarter journey

 I had a great time in my ICT class this quarter. I learned many new things about computers and technology. Every week, we would post in our blogs and it was a very exciting subject because we got to work on the computers every day.

​The best part of the class was learning how to build a website. Our teacher explained the basics of coding and layout. At first, it seemed difficult to understand all the rules. However, I practiced every day and soon it became much easier.

​I really enjoyed creating and designing my own web pages. I chose the colors, the fonts, and the pictures myself. It felt like magic to see my ideas appear on the screen. Making a website is fun because I can show my own style to the world.

​ICT class taught me that technology is a creative tool. I feel more confident using computers now than I did before. I am proud of the website I built from scratch. I hope to learn even more about web design in the future.

sources:

https://share.google/RrurwUM6RGjVqspAA

https://share.google/taSV9QeZoXdr8m0nV

https://share.google/8VJZkTXiPgi49X80d

Jose's greatest gift

 Jose Rizal’s greatest gift to the Philippines was waking up the love for country. Before him, people in the islands did not feel like they belonged to one nation. Rizal used his books to show everyone that they were all Filipinos. He helped them feel proud and united for the first time.

​He wrote two famous books to show the truth about how Spain treated the Philippines. He did not use guns or knives to fight. Instead, he used his writing to show the unfair things happening to his people. His stories opened people’s eyes and made them want to change their lives for the better.

​Rizal also believed that schooling and learning were the best ways to be free. He told Filipinos that they must study hard to help themselves. Even when he was put in prison, he kept teaching and helping others. His brave life and his death inspired the people to finally fight for their own freedom.

Sources:

https://share.google/oirN0ivvcsRphbAMY

https://share.google/qwsdc8ozlCpKmgudP

https://share.google/Tt2LsqNi1uq8lplkz

The essence of Christmas

Christmas is a very special time for people all over the world, especially Christians. It marks the birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ. Most families gather together to celebrate this event. It is a time filled with love, bright lights, and happy smiles.

​Christmas Eve, many people prepare a big feast. In the Philippines, families share a special dinner called Noche Buena. They serve a lot of food such as lechon, pancit. and many more. Everyone eats together and enjoys the company of their loved ones.

The true essence of Christmas is not just celebrating it with our love ones, but we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our saviour. In December, most people attends Simbang Gabi or Misa de gallo, in honor to commemorate the birth of Jesus. In Christmas, we are not just celebrating but we are gathered to share our love and we learn values from our All mighty Father. 

​                          

Sources:

https://share.google/tjW4BTXCmTsGzfBIg

https://share.google/J5fQEFQKPIBj4PbWT

https://share.google/8BVZooatIR9uG2sUh

Philippines' National Indigenous Peoples (IP)

 The celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month is very important. It honors the different tribes and groups in the Philippines. This year's theme shows that their culture is like a beautiful cloth being woven together. It tells us that their traditions help make our country's future stronger.

​The theme also says that indigenous people are the "bedrock" or the foundation of development. This means they protect our forests, land, and water. They know how to take care of nature so it lasts for a long time. When we empower them, we are also protecting the environment for everyone.  

​Protecting their culture is not just about the past. It is about helping them lead their own lives today. We must give them the right to their land and education. By supporting their crafts and voices, we make sure their wisdom is never lost.

​Finally, this celebration reminds us to be proud of our roots. We should respect the unique identity of every indigenous group. When we work together and value their skills, we build a better and more colorful future for the whole Philippines.

Sources:

https://share.google/xBckjh2dAH2IO9bPa

https://share.google/Z5NnjEy11w9BoIOQX

https://share.google/LBi8Kkk18kNXGuEUf

Elpidio Quirino

 Elpidio Quirino was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He came from a humble background. He worked as a school teacher while studying. He paid his own way through school. He graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1915. He later worked as a private secretary for Senate President Manuel L. Quezon. This started his long career in government service. 

Quirino was elected as a Congressman and then a Senator. He also served as the Secretary of Finance and Secretary of the Interior. He helped pass the Tydings-McDuffie Act. This law paved the way for Philippine independence. During World War II, his wife and three children were killed. This happened during the Battle of Manila. He became the first nVice President of the new Republic in 1946.

President Manuel Roxas died suddenly in 1948. Quirino then became the President. He led the country during a difficult time. The Philippines was devastated after the war. He started a a program for post-war reconstruction. His government focused on industrialization and economic growth. He also had to deal with the Hukbalahap (Huk) rebellion. Quirino's term laid the foundation for the economy.

Reference/Source:

https://share.google/YPMoNHMZnl5iBiTmG

https://share.google/Ghj2VO2MCUgWcTppp

​Britannica. Elpidio Quirino | 6th Philippine President, WWII Veteran.

​Philippine Embassy in Rome. The Life And Times Of President Elpidio R. Quirino.

Insight on the 2025 National Children's Month Theme

 ​The 2025 National Children's Month theme, “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!” is very powerful. It directly addresses the serious and growing threat of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). The theme shows a clear recognition that the digital world has created new dangers for children. This focus is urgent and necessary. It puts the safety and rights of the child at the very center of the national conversation, which is exactly where it should be.

The government has taken important legal steps to protect children's safety, dignity, and rights.

The passage of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act, is a clear example of this commitment. This law gives stronger penalties to online predators. It also requires internet providers and social media companies to help stop the spread of abusive materials. This shows a legislative effort to match legal protection with the fast pace of technology.However, laws alone are not enough. 

The key challenge lies in the effective implementation and enforcement of these acts. It is good that the government is partnering

with other groups, like local police and social welfare offices. They are the ones who give 24/7 support and conduct awareness campaigns in communities. When the police do more cyber patrols, they are actively looking for offenders. This hands-on work is crucial for turning legal mandates into real-life protection for vulnerable children.

Overall, the 2025 theme is a powerful call to action. It confirms the government's commitment to fighting for children's rights and

safety. The government has put in place strong laws and is working on comprehensive programs. Yet, the fight against OSAEC and CSAEM needs continuous effort and better cooperation from all sectors, including parents and the community. This collective duty is the best way to ensure every child can grow up safe and free from harm.

Sources:

https://share.google/xjghA8HGnrmvW4fPT

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.peps.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F11%2FThe-Happy-Film-Company-PEPS-West-Seattle-Dec2021-0042.jpg&tbnid=nSe-K6YOrkAqQM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.peps.org%2F2017%2F09%2F18%2Foutdoor-preschool-awesomeness-a-photo-essay%2F&docid=2TIHVtxQ-rb5gM&w=6720&h=4480&hl=en-GB&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm5%2F4&kgs=ed2ed0719b572beb&shem=issthttps://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fblog.peps.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2Ftt-photo-8.jpg%3Fresize%3D1140%252C761%26ssl%3D1&tbnid=X6NUaS4DY5xHVM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.peps.org%2F2017%2F09%2F18%2Foutdoor-preschool-awesomeness-a-photo-essay%2F&docid=2TIHVtxQ-rb5gM&w=1140&h=761&hl=en-GB&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm5%2F4&kgs=e62bc11cdb2eda08&shem=isst

https://share.google/zIahsGaP0d6QYslvs

Exploring Historic Vigan City💜

 Vigan is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines located in the province of Ilocos Sur. Vigan is known for its beautiful scenery, rich culture, and historical sites such as Calle Crioslogo, Hidden Garden, and St Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral . Not only are the views the most anticipated in this place, but also the delicious food. Local industries, products, and tourism have contributed greatly to the economy because they provide jobs to the citizens, generate tax revenue for the government, and boost business through tourists visiting the city.

Calle Crisologo is a popular street in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, known for its old Spanish-style houses, stone streets, and horse-drawn carriages. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tourists can stroll around, ride a horse-drawn carriage, and take pictures of the various views and designs of the old houses. There are also shops where you can buy local products, souvenirs, and delicious Vigan-style foods. Calle Crisologo helps improve the economic status of the government through tourism. Many tourists visit here to see the old Spanish-style houses and stone streets, which has led to the growth of businesses such as shops, restaurants, and horse-drawn carriages. This has increased the income of the citizens and the tax collected by the government, helping to develop the economy of Vigan.

The St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is in Vigan City. It is a very old and important church.

The main style of the building is called Earthquake Baroque. This style makes the walls thick and strong. The cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. It has a separate bell tower nearby. The current church structure was finished around the year 1800. It is a major landmark within the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Hidden Garden is a lovely place in Vigan City. It is like a green escape from the busy streets. The garden has many different kinds of plants and flowers. You can walk on its quiet paths. The place also has a restaurant called Lilong and Lilang. This restaurant serves authentic Ilocano food. Visitors can eat their meal surrounded by nature. The garden also sells plants and local pottery items. It is a spot for relaxation and enjoying local culture.

Burnay is one of the most known and popular product in Vigan. The city is known for making burnay, with wide range of uses, back then they used burnay to cook and store food, but now, people use it as a display or as a flower pot. Burnay can be made in different shaped and purposes which I am amazed about!

Visit Vigan City for a truly special experience. You can walk on old cobblestone streets. See beautiful old Spanish houses everywhere. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can ride a traditional horse-drawn carriage called a kalesa. Buy and try the famous local food and products like bagnet and burnay. See the massive St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. Relax in the green space of the Hidden Garden. Burnay pottery shows you local craftsmanship. Vigan feels like stepping back in time. Come and explore this unique Philippine gem soon.

Sources:

https://share.google/images/hZDxjfmxczV0UnGtb

https://share.google/images/3l8NijBKnFgDAhupE

Melvyn Manio 

My 2nd Quarter Reflection

 The second quarter has proven to be intensely demanding. It's a period filled with numerous performance tasks and strict due dates. Many

other activities also require my immediate attention and timely submission. This constant pressure often makes the schedule feel overwhelming. However, amid this hectic environment, one class stands out: our ICT subject. It remains consistently fun and calm, offering a much-needed respite from the surrounding academic intensity.

​Amidst all the work, we recently celebrated Teacher's Day. This day is important. It lets us show our gratitude to our educators. Teacher

work very hard for us every day. They spend long hours preparing lessons. They also take time to answer our many questions. Teachers guide us not just in academics, but also in life. A simple "thank you" feels small compared to what they give us. Their dedication is truly inspiring, especially when we face tough tasks in our other subjects.

In summary, the second quarter tests our time management and resilience. While the workload is heavy, the positive environment in our ICT class provides balance. Remembering to celebrate our teachers reminds us that support systems are vital during challenging times. We must continue to push forward, manage our tasks effectively, and appreciate the positive influences in our school life.

Photos by:

Melvyn Manio

Kate Marie Alforo

Teacher's day

 Teachers’ Day is a special day to honor and thank our teachers for everything they do. Every day, they help us learn new lessons and guide us to become better students. They are patient when we make mistakes and always encourage us to try again. Teachers make learning fun and meaningful.

Our teachers are like our second parents. They care for us, listen to us, and want us to succeed. Even when we sometimes forget to say thank you, they still continue to do their best for us. They teach us not only subjects like math and science, but also values like respect, honesty, and kindness.

On this special day, we want to say thank you to all our teachers for their love and hard work. You inspire us to dream big and to never give up. You are the light that guides us toward a bright future. Happy Teachers’ Day! 

Source:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BLnAJ8hBD/

Science Month Celebration : “Harnessing the Unknown: Powering the Future through Science and Innovation”

he 2025 National Science Month, with the theme “Harnessing the Unknown: Powering the Future through Science and Innovation,” reminds us of the power of curiosity and discovery. Every September, schools across the Philippines

celebrate this occasion with activities that highlight how science can improve lives. These events encourage students to see science not just as lessons in textbooks, but as a way of thinking that can shape the future.

During Science Month, schools hold quiz bees, investigatory project exhibits, poster- and slogan-making contests, and even robotics or invention showcases. These activities allow students to apply their knowledge in creative and

practical ways. They also spark teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation—skills that will be vital for future scientists, doctors, engineers, and leaders. In a country like the Philippines, where challenges such as climate change and disasters are real, these activities remind young learners that science has direct connections to everyday life and community development.

Science Month is more than a celebration; it is a call for action and inspiration. By engaging in these events, students learn to value both knowledge and responsibility in using science for the good of society. The coming decades will demand innovations that are ethical, sustainable, and inclusive. With young minds trained through activities like these, science and society can work together to harness the unknown and build a brighter future.

⸻

Reference:

Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). (2025). National Science Month Celebration. Retrieved from https://www.dost.gov.ph

https://www.google.com/imgres?q=robotics%20in%20school&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwpvip.edutopia.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F10%2FiStock-874565232-crop.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.edutopia.org%2Farticle%2Fincorporating-robotics-across-curriculum%2F&docid=U6VsV5R2_RZXkM&tbnid=rwtIQaBHziCILM&vet=12ahUKEwi0l-Cx-fWPAxV0j68BHdegDbAQM3oECBcQAA..i&w=2880&h=1620&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwi0l-Cx-fWPAxV0j68BHdegDbAQM3oECBcQAA

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.factualamerica.com%2Fdocumentary-lab%2F8-documentaries-about-scientists-who-were-ahead-of-their-time&psig=AOvVaw1EJRGRNU06_fvWXaSHlQ-_&ust=1758959823138000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBUQjRxqFwoTCMCC6f2s5I8DFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

https://www.google.com/imgres?q=science%20in%20school%20%20robotis&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shutterstock.com%2Fimage-photo%2Fdiverse-school-children-students-build-260nw-2036186204.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shutterstock.com%2Fsearch%2Fscience-project-school&docid=p595yznYPDzasM&tbnid=yM804AS-eS2AvM&vet=12ahUKEwjQsq7B-vWPAxUIka8BHdCaErcQM3oECCcQAA..i&w=390&h=280&hcb=2&itg=1&ved=2ahUKEwjQsq7B-vWPAxUIka8BHdCaErcQM3oECCcQAA

Resilience

 Climate change happens mostly because of the things people do, like burning fuel for cars and electricity, cutting down too many trees, and the way factories and farms work.

These activities release gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, making the Earth hotter. Sometimes nature also plays a role, like when volcanoes erupt or when the sun’s activity changes, but these are not as strong compared to the effects of human actions. That’s why climate change today is happening so fast, and it shows how important it is for us to take care of the environment.

Climate change refers to long-term change of weather pattern and temperature. Climate change has been a huge problem, severely affecting many organism and putting dangeron their lives by altering their habitats through phenomena like extreme weather and arising sea level. These changes can lead to food shortage, disruption in life cycle and spread of diseases.

Filipinos are known for their resiliency, especially when it comes to facing the impacts of climate change. Despite experiencing strong typhoons, floods, and other natural disasters, many communities show unity, cooperation, and hope in rebuilding their lives. People often help each other by sharing food, shelter, and resources, proving the value of bayanihan during hard times. Filipinos also adapt by finding ways to recover quickly, such as creating disaster-preparedness programs, strengthening houses, and supporting environmental efforts. This resiliency does not mean the challenges are easy, but it shows their  courage and determination of Filipinos to rise again no matter how strong the storm is.

Sources:

https://share.google/images/MlF76rwhMNCr8aNY1

https://share.google/hGG0hQ9FEKf1YqgzF

Intramurals: More Than Just Games, It's the Vibe!

 ​Wow, what a week! Intramurals just wrapped up, and my head is still buzzing from all the energy. Every year, I think it can't get any better, but somehow, it always does. It's not just about who wins or loses; it's about the entire experience, from the adrenaline on the court to the cheers from the stands, and even the chill moments in between.

My friends and I were practically screaming ourselves hoarse from the lower bleachers. You could just feel the intensity radiating from the court with every dribble and shot. It's crazy how much effort everyone puts in, and that energy just spills over into the crowd. Even when our team wasn't playing, watching those close matches had us all on the edge of our seats. That feeling of shared excitement? Unbeatable

And the stage was on fire during Mr. And Ms intramurals! The contestans were absolutely amazing, they really pur their hearts in answering during the QnA portion. Their performance was also very good! And of course, I cheered for our candidate, and I am so happy to say that we won! The 10 Falcons got the crown for Ms intramurals 2025! 

Intramurals is more than just a series of games—it's a snapshot of our school spirit and a testament to what we can do when we all come together. From the heart-pounding plays on the court to the vibrant performances on stage, every moment is a chance to show our skills, support our friends, and create memories that will last long after the final whistle blows. It's a reminder that sportsmanship and community are just as important as winning. What an unforgettable week.

Photo captured by:

Maxene Fama (image3)

John Joseph dasalla(image 1 and 2)