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Kannawidan: Ilocano Pride in Tradition

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  Kannawidan: Ilocano Pride in Tradition The Kannawidan Festival is an annual cultural celebration in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines , held every last week of January to the first week of February . This grand event commemorates the province’s foundation as a separate entity from its neighboring regions. Beyond being a time of festivity, Kannawidan highlights the deep-seated traditions, heritage, and identity of the Ilocano people. The Kannawidan Festival is a vibrant celebration of Ilocano culture and heritage, showcasing customs, traditions, and craftsmanship passed down through generations. It offers both locals and tourists the opportunity to witness traditional dances, folk music, and indigenous rituals that define Ilocos Sur's rich cultural identity. The festival also honors the founding of Ilocos Sur as an independent province in 1818, reminding its people of their deep history and the resilience of their ancestors in preserving their identity. One of the major hig...

Heartfelt Ways to Express Love on Valentine’s Day

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      Heartfelt Ways to Express Love on Valentine’s Day     Valentine’s Day, observed on February 14th , is a celebration of love, affection, and romance . It has historical roots tracing back to St. Valentine , a Roman priest who, according to legend, defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for soldiers by performing secret weddings. Over time, the day evolved into a global tradition symbolizing love in various forms—romantic, platonic, and even self-love.           Valentine’s Day is celebrated to honor love and connection . It’s a time to appreciate those who hold special places in our lives, whether they are partners, friends, or family members. The holiday is also linked to ancient fertility festivals like Lupercalia , which further embedded the idea of love and affection into this date.     We express our feelings on Valentine’s Day in many meaningful ways. Some of us choose to give thoughtful gifts like flowers, ...

Filipinos and Chinese New Year: A Celebration of Culture and Prosperity

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  "Filipinos and Chinese New Year: A Celebration of Culture and Prosperity" Chinese New Year is one of the most anticipated celebrations in the Philippines, bringing vibrant festivities, dragon dances, and the irresistible aroma of tikoy (sticky rice cake) to Filipino homes. But why do Filipinos, many of whom are not of Chinese descent, observe this tradition so enthusiastically? The answer lies in the deep historical and cultural ties between the Chinese and Filipino people. For centuries, Chinese traders and immigrants have influenced Filipino culture, shaping everything from business practices to cuisine and family traditions. Many Filipino families have Chinese ancestry, and over time, their customs have blended seamlessly with local traditions. Even those without Chinese heritage participate in the celebration, embracing its themes of luck, prosperity, and new beginnings. Fireworks light up the skies to ward off bad spirits, red envelopes (ang pao) symbolize blessings, a...

Vigan Through Time: From Rustic Charm to Timeless Elegance

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"Vigan Through Time: From Rustic Charm to Timeless Elegance"      Vigan, a gem of Ilocos Sur, has long been celebrated for its rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural beauty. Its transformation from a municipality to a city marks a significant milestone in its journey toward progress and modernization while preserving its timeless charm.      Before becoming a city, Vigan was a humble municipality known for its cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial houses, and the iconic Calle Crisologo. It was a center of trade and culture during the Spanish era, playing a key role in connecting the Philippines with neighboring Asian countries through its port. Back then, the economy heavily relied on agriculture, small-scale industries, and local artisans crafting abel fabrics and pottery.      As a municipality, Vigan encountered issues typical of rural regions, including reliance on old industries, a lack of modernizing prospects, and inadequat...

Embracing Change: A Journey to a Better Me in the New Year

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    Embracing Change: A Journey to a Better Me in the New Year           "New Year, New Me" – a phrase that captures the spirit of fresh starts and self-improvement that many of us embrace as the calendar turns. The beginning of a new year is like a blank page, full of possibilities and opportunities for growth. It’s a chance to reflect on the past, let go of old habits, and set intentions for the future.           For me, the new year is all about focusing on personal growth, whether it's improving my health, learning something new, or simply being more mindful of the present. It's about taking small steps towards becoming a better version of myself, one day at a time.           I plan to embrace the idea of change not as a daunting task, but as an exciting journey. The goal is to make small, sustainable changes that lead to lasting growth, rather than aiming for perfection right away. W...

My Simple Christmas Holiday Experience

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  My Simple Christmas Holiday Experience    This Christmas, I decided to take things slow and enjoy the simple pleasures that the season brings. I spent most of my time at home, cozy in my space, surrounded by the warmth of the season.  I decorated my home with just a few Christmas lights and a small tree, keeping everything minimal but still festive. There was no rush to shop for gifts or attend big parties. Instead, I focused on the little moments that make this time of year special.     I spent quality time with my loved ones, enjoying long conversations and sharing simple meals. We didn’t do anything extravagant, but the togetherness was enough. The sound of laughter, the comforting smell of home-cooked food, and the quiet evenings by the fire felt more than enough to fill my heart with joy.      One of my favorite parts was just being present in the moment. There was no pressure, just a peaceful, simple holiday experience.  It ...

QUARTER 2 - REFLECTION

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  In the second quarter, I deepened my understanding of HTML, which is essential for website creation. I learned about different types of HTML tags, such as container tags (requiring both opening and closing tags) and empty tags (that stand alone). I gained knowledge about structuring HTML documents with tags like <html>, <head>, and <body>, and how to use heading, formatting, and horizontal rule tags. Additionally, I explored customizing web pages with backgrounds, fonts, and tag attributes, and learned how to include images, create frames, and design tables. This knowledge helped me confidently create simple yet functional web pages. However, I faced challenges, particularly in remembering the correct syntax and properly combining elements like images and tables. Debugging was often necessary as I sometimes forgot to close tags or misaligned them. Despite the strong HTML structure, creating visually appealing layouts proved difficult, causing some frustration. T...