Where Bigueño Faith and Tradition Unite

The Fiesta of the Conversion of St. Paul in the Heritage City of Vigan is a joyful and colorful celebration that shows the deep faith, rich culture, and strong community spirit of the Bigueños. Every year, the streets of Vigan come alive with music, dance, food, and smiling faces. People from different barangays, schools, and groups join together to honor St. Paul, the city’s patron saint. It is a time of thanksgiving, prayer, and happiness for the Ilocano 

One of the most exciting parts of the fiesta is the Longganisa Festival, which proudly highlights Vigan’s most famous food, Vigan longganisa. Longganisa is a local sausage known for its garlicky taste and unique flavor. During the festival, the streets are filled with stalls selling longganisa, and the smell of garlic and fried sausage fills the air. Visitors and locals enjoy eating longganisa with rice, sukang Iloko, and other local dishes. 

The Longganisa Festival is not just about food, but also about honoring the hard work of local makers and the city’s food heritage.

As seen in the pictures, street dancing is a major part of the celebration. Dancers wear traditional Ilocano clothes with bright colors and woven fabrics. They move with energy and pride as they perform along the streets of Vigan. Some dancers carry plates of longganisa, showing how important this food is to the city. Their steps are lively, and their smiles show their love for their culture. The dances tell stories of Ilocano life, traditions, and faith.

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The people of Vigan, young and old, actively take part in the fiesta. Children, students, and adults join the performances and parades. Many residents watch from the sides of the street, cheering, clapping, and taking photos. Others join religious activities such as Mass and processions to honor St. Paul. This shows that the fiesta is both a religious and cultural celebration. Faith and tradition come together in one joyful event.

Bigueños celebrate the fiesta with unity and pride. Homes are cleaned and decorated, families gather, and visitors are warmly welcomed. The old Spanish-style buildings of Vigan add beauty and history to the celebration. With traditional dances, delicious longganisa, and strong devotion to St. Paul, the Fiesta of the Conversion of St. Paul truly shows the heart of Vigan—faithful, festive, and proud of its heritage.

My Third Quarter Journey

 During the third quarter, I gained many learnings and new discoveries that helped me improve as a student and as a person. I learned that studying regularly helps me understand my lessons better instead of rushing at the last minute. I also discovered that being active in class, such as listening carefully and participating in discussions, makes learning easier and more enjoyable. Through different activities and tasks, I learned to be more responsible, patient, and confident in sharing my ideas.

This quarter also came with several problems and challenges. There were times when the lessons were difficult, and I struggled to keep up with the topics. I also experienced pressure because of multiple activities, projects, and quizzes that needed to be submitted on time. Sometimes, I felt tired and unmotivated, especially when I had many responsibilities both in school and at home. These challenges made the third quarter stressful at times.

To address these challenges, I learned to help myself in different ways. I tried to manage my time better by making a simple plan for my daily tasks. When I did not understand a lesson, I asked my teachers or classmates for help instead of staying quiet. I also reminded myself to stay calm and not give up easily. Taking short breaks and getting enough rest helped me regain my energy and focus on my schoolwork.

Moving on, I will continue to work on improving my habits and mindset. I will study more consistently and avoid procrastination as much as possible. I will try to be more confident in my abilities and face challenges with a positive attitude. I will also aim to stay organized and motivated so that I can perform better and achieve more in the next quarter.

The face of the Philippines

 Jose Rizal’s greatest contribution to Philippine society was helping Filipinos become aware of the problems they faced during Spanish rule. During that time, many Filipinos experienced unfair treatment, abuse, and discrimination, but most were afraid to speak up. Rizal chose to use his mind and his writings to express the truth. Through his works, he encouraged Filipinos to love their country and to think about the changes that were needed in society.

Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo showed the real situation of the Philippines under Spanish colonization. In these books, he exposed the abuses of Spanish officials and friars, as well as the suffering of ordinary Filipinos. Because of this, many readers became more aware of the injustices around them. His writings helped Filipinos realize that they deserved respect, freedom, and equal rights.

Another important contribution of Rizal was his strong belief in education. He believed that education was the key to progress and national improvement. For Rizal, an educated Filipino could better understand social problems and help the country grow. He encouraged young people to study, think critically, and use their knowledge to serve the nation.

Rizal also showed love for the country through his peaceful actions. He believed that real change could be achieved without violence. His ideas influenced other Filipinos to work together and fight for reforms in a calm and respectful way.

In conclusion, Jose Rizal’s greatest contribution was inspiring Filipinos to become aware, educated, and united in seeking change. His life and works continue to remind Filipinos to love their country and stand for justice, making him truly the face of the Philippines.

References:

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What Christmas truly means

One important essence of Christmas is spending quality time with family and friends. During this season, people make a special effort to be with their loved ones, share meals, and create joyful memories. Simple moments like eating together, laughing over small jokes, and sharing stories from the past show that the happiness of Christmas does not always come from expensive gifts. Instead, it comes from meaningful connections and being present with the people who matter most.

Another important essence of Christmas is helping and caring for others, especially those in need. Many people take part in donating food, giving gifts, or doing small acts of kindness such as helping neighbors or comforting someone who feels lonely. These simple actions reflect the true spirit of Christmas, which is about giving without expecting anything in return. Through these acts, we learn the value of compassion, generosity, and empathy toward others.

Christmas also reminds us to be thankful for the blessings we receive, whether big or small. It teaches us to appreciate our family, our friends, and even the challenges that help us grow. By practicing gratitude, we become more positive and content, not only during Christmas but throughout the year.

In conclusion, the true essence of Christmas is found in love, generosity, gratitude, and togetherness. It encourages us to care for others, strengthen our relationships, and spread joy in simple ways. Even when the Christmas season ends, these values should remain in our hearts and guide us in our daily lives.

References:

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Celebrating Indigenous Peoples and Their Culture

 The Philippines’ National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month is a celebration that honors the culture, traditions, and way of life of Indigenous communities in the country. It reminds us that Indigenous Peoples have a long history and deep connection to the land, nature, and their ancestors. Through this celebration, we are encouraged to appreciate their identity and respect their rights as part of our nation.

The theme “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development” shows how important Indigenous culture is in building a better future. Their traditional knowledge, such as caring for the environment and living in harmony with nature, can help address modern problems like climate change and environmental destruction. By valuing their practices, we can learn more sustainable ways of living.

Empowering Indigenous communities also means giving them equal opportunities in education, livelihood, and decision-making. When Indigenous Peoples are supported and heard, they can contribute more to society while preserving their culture. This helps ensure that development does not erase their identity but instead strengthens it.

Overall, National IP Month teaches us to respect diversity and recognize the important role of Indigenous Peoples in nation-building. By protecting their rights and traditions, we are not only honoring the past but also creating a future that is inclusive, fair, and sustainable for everyone.

Reference:

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). National Indigenous Peoples Month. https://ncip.gov.ph

President Elpidio Quirino: His Early Life, Career, and Achievements

 Elpidio Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He grew up in a simple family and experienced many hardships, especially during his childhood. Despite this, he studied hard and eventually became a lawyer. His early life taught him the value of education and perseverance, which later shaped his dedication to serving the Filipino people.

Quirino’s political career began when he was elected as a member of the Philippine Legislature. Later on, he served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Vice President. When President Manuel Roxas passed away in 1948, Quirino became the sixth President of the Philippines. During his term, he worked hard to rebuild the country after World War II and focused on improving the economy, supporting social services, and strengthening foreign relations.

One of President Quirino’s greatest legacies is his effort to restore peace and order in the country, especially during a time when many challenges were happening. He also pushed for economic recovery programs and supported education and health services. Though his presidency faced difficulties, his leadership played an important role in rebuilding the Philippines and shaping its future.

References:

• Official Gazette of the Philippines

• Presidential Museum and Library (Malacañang)

• Britannica School Encyclopedia

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

A Safe World for Every Child

 Every November, we celebrate National Children’s Month, and this year’s theme focuses on a very serious issue—ending OSAEC and CSAEM. For me, this theme is important because many children today use the internet every day, and not all of them are aware of the dangers online. The message reminds us that children deserve to feel safe, respected, and protected whether they are at home, in school, or online.

I think the government is trying its best to protect children’s safety and rights by making stronger laws and programs. One example is the Anti-OSAEC Law (RA 11930), which punishes people who abuse or exploit children online. The government also works with organizations like DSWD, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, and DepEd to monitor online activities, rescue victims, and teach children about online safety. This shows that they are taking real steps to protect every child.

But even with these efforts, the fight against OSAEC is not only the job of the government. As students, families, and community members, we also have a role. Parents need to guide their children when using gadgets, schools should teach digital responsibility, and communities should spread awareness. If everyone helps, more children will be safe from online harm.

Overall, this year’s celebration reminds us that children’s rights must always come first. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment where they are respected and protected. The theme encourages all of us to stand up and help end OSAEC and CSAEM for the sake of children’s future.

Reference/Source:

• Republic Act No. 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Law)

• Philippine Commission on Women – National Children’s Month 2025