Viva Vigan Fiesta: A Joyful Celebration

The Vigan Fiesta, held annually in the city of Vigan in the Ilocos Sur province of the Philippines, is a celebration of the city's rich cultural heritage and diverse community. One of the highlights of the festival is the street dance competition, where participants dress up in colorful costumes and dance to the beat of traditional Ilocano music.

The street dance competition is a showcase of the city's vibrant and energetic culture, and it attracts a large crowd of both locals and tourists. Participants come from all over the city to take part in the competition, and they put their hearts and souls into their performances. The music and dance are a blend of traditional and modern styles, and they reflect the city's rich cultural heritage and diversity.

The atmosphere at the street dance competition is electric, with the crowd cheering and clapping along to the beat. The costumes are eye-catching and unique, and they showcase the participants' creativity and attention to detail. The dancers move with grace and energy, their movements perfectly in sync with the music. It's an unforgettable experience, and one that truly celebrates the city's cultural heritage.

In addition to the street dance competition, the Vigan Fiesta also includes a variety of other cultural and religious events, such as parades, food festivals, and religious ceremonies. The festival is an opportunity for residents and tourists alike to come together and celebrate the city's rich cultural heritage and diverse community.
 

Surviving and Thriving

As the end of Quarter 2 draws near, it's hard not to feel a sense of exhaustion and burnout. The past few months have been filled with a whirlwind of assignments, projects, and quizzes, all while trying to balance extracurricular and a social life.

Looking back, I realize that I spent most of my time in a constant state of stress and anxiety, always rushing to finish one task before moving onto the next. I often found myself sacrificing sleep and self-care in order to keep up with the demands of my schedule.

But as I reflect on the quarter, I also realize that I've accomplished a lot. I've pushed myself to work harder than I ever thought possible and have grown both academically and personally.

I've learned that it's okay to take a step back and prioritize my well-being. I've learned to set boundaries and to say no to things that don't align with my goals and values. I've also learned the importance of taking breaks, whether it's a quick walk outside or a chat with a friend, it can help to clear my mind and refocus my energy.

As I move on to the next quarter and the next stage of my academic journey, I will remember the lessons I've learned this quarter and strive to find a balance between pushing myself to achieve my goals and taking care of my mental and physical well-being.

Quarter 2 can be tough and tiring, but it's also an opportunity to reflect on the growth and accomplishments we've made. It's important to take care of ourselves by setting boundaries, prioritize our well-being, and take breaks when needed.

Babushhh Quarter 2, Salamuch!!

New Year, Old Habits: Why Resolutions Fail

The phrase "New Year, New Me" is a popular phrase used to express the idea that a person can use the start of a new year as an opportunity to make positive changes in their life. However, this phrase can also carry the idea that without true commitment, nothing will change.

For many, the start of a new year brings feelings of hope and optimism. People make resolutions to improve their lives in various ways, such as exercising more, eating healthier, or spending more time with loved ones. However, these resolutions are often made with the best of intentions, but without a true commitment to change, they can quickly fall by the wayside.

One of the main reasons people struggle to make lasting change is that they often make too many resolutions at once. They try to change everything about their lives overnight, which can be overwhelming and difficult to sustain. Additionally, many people make resolutions that are not specific or measurable, which makes it hard to track progress and stay motivated.

Another reason people fail to make lasting change is that they don't have a clear plan or strategy in place. They may have a general idea of what they want to achieve, but they lack the specific steps or actions they need to take to make it happen. Without a clear plan, it's easy to get sidetracked or discouraged when progress is not immediate.

In order to make lasting change, it's important to start small and focus on one or two specific goals. These goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable. Additionally, it's important to have a clear plan in place for how to achieve these goals. This plan should include specific steps or actions that need to be taken, as well as a timeline for achieving them.

It's also important to be realistic about the changes you want to make. Change takes time and effort, and it's important to be patient with yourself. It's also important to be kind to yourself, and not to beat yourself up if you slip up or don't meet your goals right away.

The phrase "New Year, New Me" can be a powerful motivator, but without true commitment, nothing will change. In order to make lasting change, it's important to start small, focus on specific goals, have a clear plan in place, and be patient and kind to yourself. Remember that change takes time and effort, but with commitment and perseverance, you can achieve your goals.

 

Reference : Руденко, М. (2023, August 20). New Year New Me Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/s/photos/new-year-new-me

 

New Normal, New Celebrations

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and tradition for many people around the world. However, this year, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to adapt and find new ways to celebrate the holiday season. 

During the "new normal," many traditional Christmas activities such as large family gatherings and in-person church services are not possible. Instead, people are finding new ways to celebrate, such as virtual gatherings, drive-through events, and outdoor activities with smaller groups.

Virtual gatherings have become a popular way to connect with loved ones during the holiday season. Platforms like Messenger have made it possible to have virtual Christmas dinners and gift exchanges with family and friends who live far away or are unable to travel. This allows people to still feel connected to their loved ones, even if they can’t be together in person.

Drive-through events, such as Christmas light displays, have also become popular as a way to celebrate while maintaining social distance. These events allow people to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations from the safety of their own cars.

Outdoor activities such as Christmas walks and hikes have also become more popular as a way to celebrate with smaller groups of friends and family. This allows people to get outside and enjoy the holiday season while still being safe and socially distanced. 

While the pandemic has certainly changed the way we celebrate Christmas, it has also reminded us of the importance of family and loved ones. We have learned to adapt and find new ways to connect with one another, even when we can’t be together in person. The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, and we will continue to find ways to make that happen, even during the "new normal." 

However, it's important to remember that the pandemic is still ongoing, and safety measures such as wearing masks and social distancing should still be followed to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The guidelines and recommendations from local health authorities should be always taken into account.

Reference : Christmas During Covid Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/s/photos/christmas-during-covid

A Bazaar to Remember

The TLE Department hosted its inaugural bazaar from December 1–11, 2022. The Estudyantrepreneur Bazaar 2022, with the theme "Likas na Talento at Kasanayan: Tugon sa Katatagan at Pagharap sa Hamon ng Buhay ng Bagong Normal," allows students to browse the market, make purchases, and have fun there. Inside, there were many booths, and I've been to each one. Yes, I had fun. But which particular booth did I go to specifically?

There were booths inside such as - ICT, agriculture, wellness and beauty care, dressmaking, longanisa making booth, empanada making booth and etc. But I specifically went to the Food Fair Booth to check out the different cooking methods and recipes. I was shocked because I'm the same age as them. I also want to learn how to make delectable foods that are comparable to them. I listened intently and watched as they worked on the dish. It was lovely to see them pursue their interests. That provided me the inspiration I required to begin studying food preparation and cooking.

After attending the event, I picked up a lot of knowledge. I discovered that the student "entrepreneurs" benefit from this event not just because they get money from selling, but also because it might be a life-changing experience. I can only infer from this experience that this event improved their abilities on both a physical and cerebral level. They are therefore better equipped for the future.

The event may have come to an end, but I will always remember the memories. And sure, I did gain a lot of knowledge from that one event. My experience is now complete. The primary goal of the celebration is for the pupils to demonstrate their skills and talents. It inspires them to showcase their abilities to everyone and even work on them. I can only say that the bazaar was successful. These individuals inspired and enthused the students. They gave kids the opportunity to go throughout the premises and discover new things. My heart will always hold the lessons I gained at the bazaar.

Rights and Freedom

Every November, the National Children's Month Act, or Republic Act 10661, is observed to mark the 20 November 1989 adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The First Day for Children. National Children's Month has its roots in Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard's creation of Children's Day. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is ratified by the Philippines. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III officially declares November as National Children’s Month.

The universal human rights that apply to adults also apply to children and young people, together with additional rights that take into account their unique needs. Neither are children their parents' property, nor are they the hapless recipients of charity. Since they are people, they have rights that belong to them.

Every country on the earth is concerned about children's rights. Regardless of age, race, gender, household income, or place of birth, every child deserves the chance to not only survive but also thrive. However, abuse, exploitation, or enslavement rob millions of children of their fundamental rights and their childhoods. Children were abused, and the majority of them suffered from physical and verbal abuse, especially during the epidemic. Why is this celebration significant?

The month of November is recognized as National Children's Month according to Republic Act 10661. The goal of this month-long celebration of children is to raise awareness of the rights that every kid has to access to healthcare, education, and a safe environment. The youth of today suffered from abuse and exploitation. I think the celebration helps a child recover and supports the victims. Kids are encouraged to participate in the programs. Events are thrown at an orphanage. The intention behind it all was to help and make them happy. I admire how they gave this celebration some thought and worked to make it happen.

REFERENCES:

children. (2017, March 3). unsplash.com. https://unsplash.com/photos/AEaTUnvneik