Kannawidan Festival, Pagdiriwang ng Kulturang Ilocano

Every February, Ilocos Sur celebrates the Kannawidan Festival a colorful and historic celebration that showcases the rich culture and traditions of the Ilocano people. Derived from the word "kannawidan," which means tradition, the festival aims to preserve and celebrate the province's indigenous customs, arts, and products.

The Kannawidan Festival began on February 2, 1818, commemorating the founding of Ilocos Sur as a province. The festival features exhibits from various towns such as Vigan, Santa, Narvacan, and Sinait, where you can see and buy Ilocos Sur's proud products such as bagnet, longganisa, bawang, basi, balicucha, abel Iloco, and many others.

Trade fairs aren’t the only things that bring the Kannawidan Festival to life, colorful parades further liven it up, dazzling fireworks displays and free concerts featuring popular bands like December Avenue, Silent Sanctuary, and Ben&Ben. But its more than just fun, every song, every bang of the fireworks, and every smile of the people reflect the unity of the Ilocano people.

Kannawidan is not just about having fun or trying to sell products, it’s an annual reminder that our culture and traditions are treasures that should not be forgotten but rather cherished. Despite modern times, the spirit of their culture remains alive which is a testament to the fact that the true wealth of a nation lies in the depth and roots of history and the care of each citizen.

 References:

www.blogger.com

 Information: Festivalscape. (n.d.). *Kannawidan Ylocos Festival*. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from (https://www.festivalscape.com/philippines/ilocos-sur/kannawidan-ylocos/)

Images:

 Kannawidan Festival Thumbnail. (n.d.). Retrieved from (https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sRdFna-0ZXI/mqdefault.jpg)

 Kannawidan Festival Exhibit. (n.d.). Retrieved from [https://scontent.fcrk4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/...]

(https://scontent.fcrk4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/476834112_1006931271458177_5369941100376092014_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p180x540_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=4NcdH4jaWWsQ7kNvgHHTdK3&_nc_oc=Adg16Xp9uSd9Fnq9gBTD57fko8ZLxMPGqawJZwkxLStbMhRGqPv_ToAbXVfP0WzHSR9US15LDLo2uxEqkg4iZVMk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fcrk4-1.fna&_nc_gid=ANmIXx7R9m6ku_VVqBVbpU9&oh=00_AYDmrxfW4ttYb5Ctfn6S4d0HNMqrNeL2D2f50DJV_oydGQ&oe=67BD4775)   

In short: https://tinyurl.com/mr9sakmb 

Kannawidan Cultural Presentation. (n.d.). Retrieved from [https://scontent.fcrk4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/...]

 

(https://scontent.fcrk4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/51582886_1494729853997356_597086370669789184_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=dcgWeRB5SukQ7kNvgGZKIer&_nc_oc=Adge1FkTklFGA4KY9WaS3GF-tgsOtbbD_5zl3h2vb9pcK5-bNq3mdnpxsDTjWuH2EYTB2uOs7iwmQID2vUTc1wsQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fcrk4-2.fna&_nc_gid=AwQnJF-Tld2EUIFDBv7rr9T&oh=00_AYDRWPlurE2iRXhaqQGKuZdLmvMr30J9AB7adNwi4OTMDA&oe=67DEDFB9)   

 In short: https://tinyurl.com/42m83ey7

 

 

In Cupids Arrow

 

Every February 14th, everything around us turns red; balloons, flowers, and heart decorations everywhere you look. Valentine's Day is not just about gifts and sweet compliments. Also known as Saint Valentine's Day, this occasion has a deeper meaning that we often forget. Every year, it's our chance to show our true love and appreciation to the people who matter to us.

According to legend, Saint Valentine was a priest who secretly married soldiers who were forbidden to marry by Emperor Claudius II. Because of his disobedience, he was executed in 270 AD. It is said that before he died, he wrote a letter to his bodyguard's son signed "From Valentin", something that may have led to our tradition of sending love letters on this day.

As of Today, Valentine's Day is not just about intimate love but it is also about cherishing one's family, friends, and even thyself. Most people express their love by giving flowers, chocolates, and letters. But, for me, the true meaning of Valentine's Day is not measured by the value of gifts but by the time spent and the attention we give to our loved ones.

It's more than just a day, Love shouldn't be shown only on February 14th. It should be felt every day; in simple ways of caring, understanding, and being there for the people who matter to us. Valentine’s Day is just a reminder that in our world full of noise and busyness, there is a day when we remember to value each other.

And for every heart that truly loves, February 14 is not just a celebration, it is a reminder that despite time, culture, and change, true love will always remain. 

 References:

www.blogger.com

Innovative Marketing. (2021). Image of 2021 Valentine's Day. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://innovativemarketing.co.za

Catholic Saint Medals. (n.d.). Saint Valentine Icon. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://catholicsaintmedals.com

Edible Arrangements. (n.d.). True Love Gift Basket. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from https://www.ediblearrangements.com 

From a Blank Page to a Webpage; Our Journey to the Creation of our CBR

At the beginning of our ICT class, our teacher showed us the web pages of previous students. These served as examples for our own community-based research (CBR) project. This was the project that set us off on our adventure into the realm of web design and research.

The first thing we did was come up with ideas on which part of Bantay we would concentrate on. After a lot of debate in the ICT classroom, we were able to limit it down to a location that seemed to fit the topic we wanted to investigate. The next step was to select a design for our website. After some discussion, we decided to go with a combination of Bantay and Caoyan's web pages that we thought best represented our research.

We concentrated on the "Livelihood and Economics" area for our CBR. This meant that we would be investigating and presenting the most important livelihoods, business, and industries in the area. We wanted to learn more about Caniaw's economic achievements and problems faced, so we looked at sub-topics such as employment, entrepreneurship, and community industries.

After we had settled on our topic, we decided to choose Caniaw, a barangay in Bantay, as the place to gather information and data for our project. Although only one of us went there personally, we worked together in preparing questions and arranging the interview. We also spoke with a local official who worked in the area, which provided us with important information for our project.

As the sun set, we all met online through Google Meet to talk about and assign the work that needed to be completed when we returned home. Even though we were working from our respected places, the meeting gave us the time to work together and make progress as a team. We were able to complete and polish our research report after two days of hard effort. We also used Google Docs so that we can access and edit the file and to keep everything organized .

The second challenge we faced was determining the design and layout of our webpage, beginning with the image for the homepage. We took some time to share our thoughts with each other in an effort to identify the ideal image that would represent the core of our research. After that we were able to slowly make progress in the coding and design, improving the webpage so that it would align with what we had envisioned.

We were then able to finish both our research paper and the design of the webpage after a lot of collaboration and hardwork. We felt proud of what we had accomplished together. This project taught us not only about web design but also about the necessity of working together and sticking with it when doing research.

References:

www.blogger.com

Frames, Lists, and Progress: Coding Through the 3rd Quarter

As the third quarter comes to a end, I reflect on the lessons I have learned and the problems I have encountered. During this time, I learned a lot about the things we discussed. I made new discoveries, developed technical abilities, and gained experience addressing these problems.

I learned more about HTML lists and frames this quarter, which are important for organizing web pages. My ability to show my material effectively improved when I learned how to organize content using sorted and unordered lists. At the same time, HTML frames showed me how to divide web pages into different portions, which is something that gives both functionality and design freedom for my web pages.

Aside from HTML, I also learned about Community Based Research (CBR ) and its structure , which helped me gain a better understanding of how to think more critical about my coding and structure my ideas and information better. These lessons made it easier for me to connect concepts and solve problems more effectively.

One of the most difficult challenges I faced was understanding how frames work in HTML. Frames are different from other elements in that they must be coded properly and carefully in order to avoid problems with navigation and layout. In order to solve this problem, I went back to YouTube tutorials, practiced using some alternative coding structures, and analyzed samples to identify the best technique to apply frames.

Another issue I encountered was understanding the ideas of CBR and how it is structured. At first, I had difficulty understanding certain parts of it. However, I was able to get through it by reviewing my notes, watching videos on YouTube, and discussing the topic with my classmates. Because of it, I was able to understand CBR and feel confident in my ability to create some CBR papers.

As I move into the next quarter, I plan to focus on more practical projects that will allow me to put what I have learned into practice. This will help me enhance my coding abilities. I will also work on improving my study habits by organizing my notes more effectively and studying classes early so that I do not have to cram at the last minute.

 

References:

www.blogger.com  

Nónglì xīnnián kuàilè

Whenever Chinese New Year comes along, the streets are always flooded with colorful lanterns, and the boom of firecrackers is a sign that people are celebrating joyfully. The Chinese New Year is a holiday that is observed in the Philippines, even though it is a tradition that originated in China. Why do Filipinos celebrate it, despite having a small Chinese population in the Country?

The Philippines and China have a long history of cultural connections that date back to before the arrival of the Spaniards. Since Chinese traders brought their culture to the Philippines, several of their practices have become part of the everyday life of Filipinos. The Chinese New Year is one of the long-lasting customs that the Chinese have passed down to the people of the Philippines.

Chinese New Year is a time for Filipinos to express their hopes for good luck. Many Chinese-Filipino families continue to observe traditions such as distributing ang pao (red envelopes holding money), creating tikoy (round rice cakes), and displaying round fruits that signify prosperity. People from other ethnic backgrounds also follow these traditions in order to attract good fortune and success in the upcoming year.

The Chinese New Year is not just a festival of and for the Chinese. In places like Binondo, which is the oldest Chinatown in the world, there are large festivals that include dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and marketplaces. These celebrations bring together Filipinos from all classes and ethnic backgrounds, creating a sense of unity. Although Chinese New Year started with the Chinese, its excitement and passion are felt by the entire community, not just the Chinese.

 

The Chinese New Year is also an important event for the economy of the Philippines. During the Chinese New Year season, Filipino and Chinese businessmen take the time to think about their business and make plans for the upcoming year. Malls and other companies run incentives to draw shoppers, which increases economic oppurtunities and spreads the culture of the Chinese New Year throughout the country.

The way that Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year shows that they are open-minded and that they appreciate various cultures. Filipinos celebrate the customs of their fellow Chinese Filipinos, much as they do their own Christmas and New Year celebrations. In this way, the Chinese New Year is not only a celebration of a specific ethnicity, but also a celebration of the diversity and unity of the entire nation.

To sum it up, the Chinese New Year is celebrated not just by the Chinese, but by the entire population of the Philippines. Filipino culture has incorporated traditions that originated in China. Filipinos get the chance to join together and celebrate good fortune, friendship, and wealth during the Chinese New Year through customs such as pao, tikoy, and community events. This festival represents the open-mindedness of Filipinos in embracing diversity and unity, even when there are cultural differences.

 

References:

www.blogger.com   

( IMAGES ) 

• People (2024). Year of the Dragon image [Photograph]. People. https://people.com/thmb/JyE3_wRjlG6r3jlsVPgl0gbVXJ0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2)/year-of-the-dragon-020624-tout-f82b60115a9d462dbf2a40256e40c7ae.jpg
• Philstar (2020). Chinese New Year celebration image [Photograph]. Philstar. https://media.philstar.com/photos/2020/01/23/cny_2020-01-23_10-56-18.jpg
• Squarespace (n.d.). Chinese zodiac character design [Digital illustration]. Squarespace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64905b55d2da1763d70b05d0/e9a19ae2-adae-4af0-a820-963204724070/30.png
• GMA News (2022). Chinese New Year decorations and celebrations [Photograph]. GMA News. https://images.gmanews.tv/webpics/2022/01/Cover_photo_2022_01_25_12_45_08.jpeg 

( INFORMATION ) 

• Asia Society Philippines. (n.d.). Chinese New Year celebrated in the Philippines. Asia Society. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://asiasociety.org/philippines/chinese-new-year-celebrated-philippines
• Island Pacific. (n.d.). Filipino-Chinese traditions for Lunar New Year. Island Pacific Market. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://islandpacificmarket.com/blogs/blogs/filipino-chinese-traditions-for-lunar-new-year
• Harvard Divinity School. (n.d.). Chinese in the Philippines. Religious Literacy Project. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://rpl.hds.harvard.edu/faq/chinese-philippines
• Minority Rights Group International. (n.d.). Chinese in the Philippines. Minority Rights Group International. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://minorityrights.org/communities/chinese-5/
• Cebu Daily News. (2025, February 3). Chinese New Year 2025: 8 traditions practiced for the Spring Festival. Cebu Daily News. Retrieved from https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/619422/chinese-new-year-2025-8-traditions-practiced-for-the-spring-festival

 

 

Vigan’s Cityhood: Vigan as a Municipality then and Vigan as a City now

 

Vigan is one of the most unique and historic places in the Philippines. It is known for its cobblestone streets, old houses, and rich culture that reflect the country’s rich history. But the story of Vigan is more than just old structures and traditions; it is also about its efforts to preserve its culture while developing.

 

Even before colonization, Vigan was a trading center for the Chinese. It became an important part of the economy, especially during the Spanish era. Under their rule, the churches, large houses, and roads that have become the hallmark of Vigan today were built. Back then, the people were mostly farmers, fishermen, and traders simple jobs that provided for them in their daily lives.

Vigan was officially announced and declared as a city under Republic Act No. 8988 in 2001. This declaration brought us greater opportunities, such as the modernization of our infrastructure and systems while also improving services from the government. Although, the rise to becoming a city isn’t as easy, as it seems, challenges such as how we should preserve our tradition and history while also trying to adapt to this rapid shift in our overall system.

 
Through the efforts of the local government and its residents, they were able to bring a balance. Despite the Change, Vigan has managed to preserve its historical identity, allowing it to gain and maintain its cherished status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

As of today, Vigan is more than just a city; it is an embodiment of how a community can embrace change without losing its culture and historical essence. Calle Crisologo, museums, and traditional industries such as weaving and pottery continue to be admired by tourists. In addition, delicious foods such as Vigan longganisa provide a unique experience attracting more visitors thus aiding our economy. Above all, festivals like the Longganisa Festival and the Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of Arts highlight the city’s history and culture. At every event, the citizens’ pride in their hometown is undeniable. 

The story of Vigan is not just about the transformation from a municipality to a city. It is a story of perseverance and love for history. Despite modernization, it still stands as a symbol of the cultural richness and success of its people.

Ultimately, Vigan is a reminder that a place can succeed without forgetting its roots. Vigan is truly an inspiration a city that unites the past and the present in a single success story.

 

 

References:

www.blogger.com  

Pinterest. (n.d.). A street in Old Vigan City. Pinterest. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://ph.pinterest.com/pin/847732329850533992/

Facebook. (n.d.). A street in old Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Northwest Luzon, Philippines before 1896. Facebook. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://www.facebook.com/PMPonFB/posts/a-street-in-old-vigan-city-ilocos-sur-northwest-luzon-philippines-before-1896-ph/1309396462533211/

UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). A street in Vigan City. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/news_948-890-520-20121024160540.jpg 

 

A New Year, A New Beginning

 

 

The sounds of fireworks, the blaring of car horns, the roaring engines of motors, and the sight of vibrant fireworks sets a reminder that a new year has begun. I thought in silence, away from the commotion and excitement of the New Year's celebration. What did the past year teach me? What aspects of myself do I wish to enhance or change this year?

There were many opportunities and difficulties in the past year. I was frequently worn out, and appeared to be somewhat lost. But I became stronger with every challenge faced. I came to terms with the fact that while I cannot control everything, I can control my thoughts and responses. I want to keep this lesson in mind as I start a new beginning.

More than anything else, though, I want to give every day more purpose. I want to add value to whatever I do, no matter how small, for the people around me, and most importantly, for myself. I want to make an effort to better manage my time, make more responsible choices, and schedule time for the things that are truly important.

I'm going to make an effort this year to become a "new me" or at least a better version of the past. The goal; become a more intelligent, well-organized, and upbeat version of myself. I'm not going to fake or alter who I am because of this. Instead, even if it's only somewhat, I just want to get better. Being more understanding, helpful, and receptive to new ideas are the first building blocks.

We have the chance to start anew every year. Although the process isn't smooth and flawless, the challenge is worthwhile. I'm determined to do everything in my power to make every day more vibrant, joyful, and significant in the upcoming year. 

 

References:

www.blogger.com 

 https://images.gmanews.tv/webpics/2023/01/640_newyearfireworks_2023_01_01_07_12_10.jpg