Unity in Celebration, Vigan City Fiesta 2026

 

The feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, celebrated every January 25, holds special importance in Vigan City. This theme is deeply embedded in the religious and cultural life of Vigan City Ilocos Sur, where the Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral which stands as a central landmark of faith and heritage. One such celebration is the Longganisa Festival, showcasing the strong connection between faith, culture, and community life in Vigan City. This festival stands as one of the most celebrated annual events in Vigan. In which, every school in Vigan City performs a lively and energetic dances to celebrate the unity, culture and tradition.

Last Thursday, January 22, 2026, we went to Vigan together with my cousin and classmates to watch the Longganisa Festival as part of our travel blog activity. The streets were filled with excitement as performers in costumes danced to lively music along the roads. Many people gathered to witness the performances, showing their support and appreciation for the rich culture of Vigan City. Watching the Longganisa Festival was not only entertaining but also meaningful, as it showed how faith, culture, and community are celebrated as one. In Category A, there were six competing groups, each performing their best to win. In Category B, there were only two groups competing. And in category B, the winner was Ilocos Sur National High School, who impressed the audience with an outstanding performance.

Aside from the street dances, there were many other activities during the Vigan City Fiesta 2026. These included a concert, a grand parade, marching band competition, and Longganisa Cookfest, and many more, where participants showcased different ways of cooking Vigan’s famous longganisa. These activities added more excitement to the celebration and highlighted the unity of the people in Vigan. Through these events, the fiesta became a joyful and memorable experience for locals and visitors.

 

For me, the experience was unforgettable because it was full of joy. I was able to see the different performances of the different schools in Vigan.  I could see how hard work, dedication, and unity made each performance amazing.

My Reflection on 3rd Quarter

 During the 3rd grading period, I gained new learnings and discoveries that help me to gain more knowledge. I learned about CBR(Community-Based Research), which can help me to gather reliable information. Aside from that, I also learned how to layout a web page, especially in layouting our Community-Based Research) CBR.

There were challenges that I encountered during this quarter. Some of the tasks are difficult, especially on the layouting of the web page, because this required creativity and focus so that you can finish easily. There were also time that I struggled with managing my time to finish my assignments on time due to other responsibilities.

To overcome this challenges, I practiced more, especially on the layouting of a web page, so that I can master on layouting. And I will asked for help whenever I did not understand the lesson and also tried to manage my time wisely. So that I can finish my task or assignment on time.

Moving on, I will develop I will stay motivated, manage my time effectively, and apply what I have learned to future projects. I will use my knowledge and skills that I gained during the 3rd quarter to perform better in the next quarter. 

References:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/class-reflection-activities-close-out-tough-year-charlene-pasquale

https://www.proalley.com/blog/basics-of-web-designing/

https://www.saltlakeeshawaii.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=390812&type=d&pREC_ID=885966

Jose Rizal- The National Hero of the Philippines

Dr. Jose Rizal is often called the face of the Filipino people,  because of his immense influence on the country’s fight for freedom. His greatest contribution to Philippine society was awakening a sense of national identity and pride among Filipinos. At a time when the Philippines was under Spanish colonial rule, Rizal showed that change could be achieved through education, intellect, and peaceful advocacy rather than violence. He inspired his fellow countrymen to stand up for their rights and to value their culture and heritage.

Rizal’s writings, particularly Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the corruption and abuses of Spanish. By highlighting social injustices, he encouraged Filipinos to think critically about their situation on a society based on fairness and justice. His works were not just stories, they were calls for awareness, reform, and national unity that influence future leaders of the revolution.

Aside from his literary contributions, Rizal also promoted education as a key tool for national progress. He believed that Filipinos could achieve freedom and self-respect through learning and moral development. He applied his knowledge to help his fellow countrymen. His dedication to the nation, even at the cost of his life, made him a symbol of courage, wisdom, and love for the Philippines.

In conclusion, Rizal’s greatest contribution to Philippine society was not only in his writings but in the enduring spirit of nationalism he inspired. He taught Filipinos that freedom begins in the mind and heart that are powerful tools to shape the nation. Through his ideas and sacrifice, Jose Rizal continues to be the enduring face of the Philippines.

REFERENCES:

https://manilatoday.net/qa-with-prof-e-san-juan-jr-on-the-legacy-of-noli-me-tangere-and-el-filibusterismo/

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rizal_Monument_and_Flag_in_golden_afternoon_light.jpg

https://philcsc.wordpress.com/2020/06/12/jose-rizal-honoring-the-national-hero-of-the-philippines-19-june-1861/

The essence of the Christmas season

The true essence of Christmas season is love, kindness, and the time to giving gifts, without anything in return. It is a season that reminds us to share joy and strengthen the bonds we have with family. Christmas also reminds us to appreciate     the simple blessings in life and to share happiness with others.

It is a season that teaches us to share happiness, strengthen relationships, and care for those around us.

 

During this season, families and friends gather to celebrate and create meaningful memories. It is a time to express gratitude  and encourages us to forgive, understand, and support one another to make our connections stronger.

Above all, the essence of the  Christmas season is a time to care. It is a time to reach out to those who may be lonely or struggling in their lives, to offer kindness without expecting anything in return. This Christmas season isn't just a holiday season, but also a time to spread love, kindness, and express gratitude.

REFERENCES:

https://storymirror.com/read/english/poem/the-essence-of-christmas/ssk22aai

https://diamondintheroughblog.com/2017/12/15/christmas-gift-giving-hacks-and-thrift-tips/

https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/merry-christmas

National Indigenous Peoples Month

The celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples Month is a reminder that the Philippines’ cultural richness is rooted in the lives and traditions of its Indigenous communities. The theme “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development” emphasizes how Indigenous people contribute to shaping the nation’s identity and guiding its progress. By valuing the Indigenous communities as keepers of tradition and caretakers of nature, we build resilience that thrives on justice and sustainability. 

According to World Bank, despite their vital role in conservation, Indigenous Peoples experience disproportionately high levels of poverty and they are also facing severe barriers to accessing basic services, education, infrastructure, and job opportunities.

Through this celebration, we are reminded to respect and to protect their rights and embrace their contributions to our society and to their culture and to their traditions. It is also a call to us to recognize the remarkable resilience of the indigenous communities who continuing protecting their territories and preserve their traditions against the challenges. Their voices remind us that every community plays a vital role in shaping our shared tomorrow.

In conclusion, the celebration of the National Indigenous People Month celebration, it highlights the vital role of Indigenous communities with their resilience in shaping our nation’s identity and future. By respecting their rights and belief’s, preserving their traditions and embracing their contributions, we commit ourselves to shaping a future guided by sustainability and justice.

References:

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/indigenouspeoples

https://www.philippinedailymirror.com/how-we-can-undo-injustice-and-help-indigenous-communities/

https://travelauthenticphilippines.com/indigenous-culture-and-people-

tours/

Sixth President of the Philippines

                                                              

President Elpidio Quirino is a Filipino lawyer and a politician he also led the Philippines as the sixth president from 1948 to 1953. He was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan City Ilocos Sur and he died on February 29, 1956, at the age of 65. President Elpidio Quirino was the third of nine children born to Mariano Quirino and Gregoria Rivera.

Before he became the president, Elpidio Quirino achieved a successful path through politics. He served as a congressman and also as a senator.

His early life was marked by academic excellence and a commitment to public service. He studied law and quickly entered politics, serving in various capacities, including as a congressman and a senator. President Elpidio Quirino stands as one of the most resilient leaders in Philippine history because he led the nation during one of its most challenging periods and its recovery from the devastation of World War II. He strengthened the country’s economy by supporting local businesses, cultivating global relationships, and obtaining financial assistance needed for national recovery.

President Elpidio Quirino was a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the sixth president of the Philippines from 1948 to 1953. Born in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, he was the third of nine children of Mariano Quirino and Gregoria Rivera. Before becoming president, he held positions as a congressman and senator.

 

References:

https://www.positivelyfilipino.com/community-news/commemorative-event-of-president-elpidio-l-quirinos-60th-death-anniversary-at-philippine-center-new-york

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elpidio_Quirino_Monument_in_Vigan_City_01.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elpidio_Quirino

2025 National Children's Month

 The 2025 National Children's Month with the theme, "OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!". This theme emphasizes the responsibility of the community that need to protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation. This highlights the need to protect children from harm, inspiring us to move beyond simple awareness and to participate actively in creating a more protected environment for children. It urges us to understand that the digital world, while providing numerous opportunities, it also presents a significant challenges, making immediate and continuous attention.

The government's role in protecting children's safety, dignity and rights is to create a law that protect children from abuse and exploitation. This is to ensure that every children is grow in a safe environment. They are responsible in creating the laws because the government has the obligation to secure justice and ensure the well-being of people especially children's. By creating and implementing these laws, it can reduces the risk of exploitation online sexual abuse of children.

In conclusion, the 2025 National Children's Month, emphasizes the immediate need to protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation. With laws created by the government, it can ensure the safety of children so that they are free from harm.

References:

https://cwc.gov.ph/national-childrens-month/

https://www.coe.int/en/web/children/endocsea-europe

https://safercornwall.co.uk/exploitation/