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A Day of Flavor and Fiesta: Longganisa Festival 2026 in Vigan City

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Last January 22, 2026 , Vigan City didn’t just wake up to another ordinary day. The air felt different—louder, livelier, and unmistakably garlicky . It was Longganisa Festival day , and the city proudly celebrated one of its most beloved icons: the Vigan longganisa. From early morning, the streets were already buzzing. Locals, tourists, students, and families gathered with smiles and empty stomachs, ready to enjoy the flavors and festivities. The aroma of freshly cooked longganisa filled the air, instantly reminding everyone why this simple sausage holds such a special place in Ilocano culture. It’s more than food—it’s comfort, tradition, and home. The highlight of the day was the longganisa cookfest, where creativity met tradition. Participants showcased different ways to enjoy Vigan longganisa—some staying classic, others boldly experimenting. Watching people cheer, laugh, and eagerly wait to taste each dish felt like witnessing a community celebrate itself. It wasn’t about who won...

Q3 Reflection

This third quarter helped me understand more about how websites are built and how information is properly organized. At the start, some of the lessons felt confusing, but as the weeks went by, I slowly became more comfortable working with HTML and its different elements. One of the main things I learned was how to use HTML lists , such as ordered, unordered, nested, and description lists. These lessons showed me how important structure is when presenting information on a webpage. I also learned how to create HTML tables , which made it easier to arrange data in a clear and organized way. Another important topic was HTML frames , including list files and frame files, which taught me how different HTML files can work together to form one complete webpage. Learning about DPSA categories also helped me improve my skills in classifying titles correctly and organizing content better. However, the quarter was not without challenges. I often struggled with remembering the correct tags and f...

More than a Celebration: The Essence of Christmas

Christmas is more than just a season filled with decorations, gifts, and bright lights. At its essence, it is a time that reminds people of love, humility, and togetherness. Long before the exchanging of presents, Christmas has always been about remembering the birth of Jesus Christ and the values He represents—compassion, forgiveness, and selfless love. These values are what truly give meaning to the celebration. In many Filipino homes, the Christmas season is deeply rooted in family traditions. Simple activities such as attending Simbang Gabi, sharing meals, and spending time with loved ones strengthen family bonds. Even without extravagant celebrations, the presence of family, laughter, and shared stories already makes Christmas meaningful. It becomes a season where people choose to be more patient, understanding, and generous toward one another. Another important essence of Christmas is giving. While gifts are commonly associated with the holiday, the true spirit of giving lies in ...

Threads of Culture, Paths to the Future

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National Indigenous Peoples Month is a reminder to slow down and listen to the stories that have long existed before ours. The theme “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development” speaks to how indigenous peoples are not just protecting traditions, but protecting our future. For generations, indigenous communities have cared for the land not as owners, but as guardians. Their ways of living—rooted in respect for nature, community, and balance—teach us that progress does not always mean taking more, but caring better. Their culture, knowledge, and identity are like threads that, when preserved and respected, strengthen the fabric of our nation. Celebrating this month is not only about recognition, but about responsibility. Empowering indigenous peoples means standing with them, respecting their rights, and making sure development does not silence their voices. When we honor indigenous communities, we are not only preservin...

From Ilocos to Malacañang: The Journey of President Elpidio Quirino

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  Elpidio Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He grew up in a simple family and had to work hard to finish his studies. Despite the challenges, he pushed through and eventually became a lawyer. His early life shows how determination and patience can help someone reach their dreams. Quirino started serving the government as a congressman and later became a senator. He also joined the 1935 Constitutional Convention, where important decisions about the Philippine government were made. After World War II, he became Vice President and also served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In these roles, he helped rebuild the nation and worked on strengthening the Philippines’ relationship with other countries. He became the sixth President of the Philippines in 1948 after the death of President Manuel Roxas. His presidency focused on rebuilding the country after the war. He pushed for housing programs, worked on improving the economy, and tried to maintain peace and orde...

Safe Spaces for Children

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During the open forum I attended for the 2025 National Children’s Month Celebration, I realized how serious the problem of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) has become. The theme, “OSAEC–CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”, wasn’t just a slogan—it was a reminder that protecting children goes beyond physical spaces. In today’s digital world, danger can easily happen behind screens, and many children become victims without even realizing what is happening. Listening to the discussions made me understand how important it is to raise awareness, especially for students like me who are always online. The government has been trying to strengthen its protection for children by creating laws, coordinating with international organizations, and partnering with local groups that focus on child safety. One example mentioned during the forum was the Anti-OSAEC law, which aims to monitor, prevent, and respond to online exploitation. They also emphasized ...

The Serenity of Santa Catalina

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The town of Santa Catalina has two places that truly show peace and beauty—the church and the beach. Even though they are very different, both give the same feeling of calm and comfort. The church in Santa Catalina is simple but meaningful. It’s a place where people come to pray, reflect, and find peace. The quiet atmosphere makes it easy to think clearly and feel close to God. The light coming through the windows adds a warm and calm feeling that reminds people that faith doesn’t need to be loud to be strong. On the other hand, the beach in Santa Catalina shows a different kind of peace. The sound of the waves and the cool wind bring a sense of freedom. Watching the sea can clear your mind and make you feel lighter. It’s the kind of place where you can just sit, relax, and let go of all your worries. Both the church and the beach represent peace in different ways—one through faith, and the other through nature. They remind us that no matter where we are, peace is always within reach. ...