🎊VIGAN FIESTA FUN: WE TOOK HOME THE LONGGANISA FESTIVAL TROPHY!🥇

I was so excited to join Vigan City’s fiesta for the Conversion of St. Paul on January 22! The day started early when I walked to Calle Crisologo, the famous old street with stone roads and big wooden houses. The whole place was decorated with colorful banners and lights. Every shop was open, and people were wearing their best clothes. The streets filled up with people getting ready for all the fun activities. 

The best part of the day was watching the Longganisa Festival competition! Different schools and groups from around Ilocos Sur danced in the street, showing off moves inspired by how longganisa is made and sold. My school was part of the contest – our dancers wore bright orange and red costumes that looked like the color of longganisa. They moved so well to the drum beats, and their props were amazing too. When the judges announced the winners, we all cheered loud because OUR SCHOOL

 WON THE CHAMPION! Everyone jumped and hugged each other – we 

were so proud of our team.

In the evening, I went to Plaza Salcedo to watch the big concert. Local bands and singers performed on stage, and everyone was dancing and singing along. The plaza was packed with families eating street food – I bought empanada and bagnet from a stall nearby. When night came, there were beautiful fireworks that lit up the sky above the old cathedral. After the concert, I walked back to Calle Crisologo one more time and it looked even more beautiful with all the lights on. The fiesta was not just about fun, but also about seeing how Vigan people love their culture and come together as one big family.

ICT 10 Third Quarter – What I Did and Learned

    I learned many new things in ICT 10 this third quarter. I know now that HTML has four types of lists – numbered ones, bullet ones, lists inside lists, and ones that explain things. I also learned about frames that split a webpage into parts, and tables that put info in rows and columns. We studied how to put titles into DPSA groups too. I made my own files for HTML lists and frames, and practiced answering questions like choosing the right answer and filling in missing words.

    I had some troubles while learning. When making lists inside lists, I mixed up the codes and they didn’t look right. With frames, I couldn’t get the sizes right and sometimes the wrong stuff showed up. I got confused with the DPSA groups and put titles in the wrong places. For fill-in-the-blanks, I forgot the exact words or symbols needed for the code. Sometimes I mixed up numbered and bullet lists.

    I fixed these problems by writing down all the codes on a notebook so I could check them easily. I practiced making lists and frames many times, and used a simple program to see how the page looks. My teacher helped me when I asked, and I studied with two friends – we tested each other and checked each other’s work. For DPSA groups, I made small cards with names and examples to remember them better. When I was stuck, I looked at the sample files from class and matched them to what I made.

 

  

    From now on, I will keep practicing to get better at making HTML lists, frames and tables. I want to make a small webpage with my class schedule in a table, my hobbies in lists, and frames with extra info. I’ll make more cards for DPSA groups and take practice tests online. I’ll help my classmates who need it by sharing my notes and practicing with them. I’ll also look for easy online lessons to learn more about making webpages. 

REFERENCE/SOURCE:

https://www.scalenut.com/blogs/html-codes-list

https://datascience.columbia.edu/news/2021/top-ten-advice-for-successful-data-science-teamwork/

https://websitify.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-the-many-types-of-webpages

Jose Rizal, the Face of the Philippines – His Greatest Contribution

 

   Jose Rizal is widely known as the national hero of the Philippines, and his greatest contribution was awakening Filipino nationalism and inspiring the fight for freedom from Spanish colonial rule. Instead of using weapons, he used his words and ideas to show the truth about the injustices Filipinos faced. His work helped people see themselves as one nation with a shared future, laying the groundwork for the country’s independence.

    His novels Noli Me Tangere (1887) and El Filibusterismo (1891) were powerful tools for change. Noli Me Tangere showed how Spanish friars and officials abused their power, and how ordinary people like farmers and women suffered. El Filibusterismo went even further, talking about the need for change and justice. Even though the Spanish banned these books, Filipinos read them secretly and they made people want to stand up for their rights. These novels are still important today as part of Filipino culture and history.

 

   Rizal also worked to make society better in other ways. He believed education was key to progress and taught people in the places he lived, like Dapitan where he was exiled. In 1892, he started the Liga Filipina, a group that wanted to unite Filipinos and push for peaceful changes. Even though he was executed in 1896, his death made more people join the fight for independence. Today, his ideas about patriotism, justice, and education are still taught in Philippine schools through Republic Act 1425, also known as the Rizal Law.

REFERENCE/SOURCE:

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/10/07/nhcp-unveils-jose-rizal-historical-marker/

https://joserizalss014.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/novels/

https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/rizal-monument

CHRISTMAS AT ITS BEST – LOVE, GIVING AND TOGETHERNESS

    Christmas is more than just gifts and bright lights. At its heart, it’s a time to love and be with people we care about. For many, it’s about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This makes us want to be kind and help others. For those who don’t follow this faith, it’s still a good time to take a break from work and spend days with family and friends. Everywhere, people come together to share joy and make each other feel good.

    Giving to others and sharing is a big part of Christmas. In every place, people help those who don’t have much. They give food, clothes and toys to families in need. Here in the Philippines, we have "Simbang Gabi" – we wake up early for nine days to go to church. After mass, we share warm food like puto bumbong with neighbors. We give extra to those who don’t have breakfast. Christmas isn’t about what we get – it’s about making someone else smile. Many people also go to old folks’ homes, help at soup kitchens or give money to groups that help kids.

    Doing special things every year makes Christmas feel warm and nice. In the Philippines, we put up parols – star-shaped lanterns – outside our homes and on streets. When it gets dark, the stars glow bright and make our neighborhoods look beautiful. We also go caroling with family and friends, singing happy songs from house to house. At home, we cook our favorite foods like fruitcakes, lechon or cheesy spaghetti. We decorate our tree together, hanging old ornaments from grandparents or new ones we made. Many families watch the same movie every Christmas Eve or play games after dinner. These things connect us to our family and culture. They make memories we keep in our hearts and want to share with our own kids one day.

Christmas is also a time to say sorry and make up with people. If we had a fight with someone, we can talk to them and be friends again. We think about all the good things we have – a home, food, people who love us. We hope the new year will be nice for everyone. This makes the world feel more peaceful and kind.

REFERENCES/SOURCES:

https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/christmas-volunteer

https://mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2019/12/parol/

INSIGHT ON PHILIPPINES NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MONTH

    Every October, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month in the Philippines. This year’s theme is "Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development." It means we honor the first people of our country, who have lived here for a very long time. They know how to take care of nature well, and their ways can help us build a good future for everyone.

    "Weaving" is an important word in the theme. It talks about the beautiful cloth that IP groups make – like the ones from Ilocos, T’boli, and Kalinga. But it also means we should bring things together. We can mix their old ways with new ideas, and work with them to make our country better. When we buy their handmade things, we help their families and make sure their skills stay alive.

    IP communities are like the strong base of a house for sustainable development. They take care of our land, rivers, and forests so they stay healthy. Many of our water sources and green areas are in places where they live. We need to help them – give them rights to their land, let them go to school and see doctors, and listen to what they need. This way, our country can grow in a fair and good way.

    But IP people still have hard times. Some lose their land, and their languages and ways are getting hard to keep. This month tells us we need to do more than just celebrate. We can help by buying their products, learning about their lives, and asking leaders to protect them. When we work together with IP communities, we get a future with rich culture, good jobs, and a clean earth.

REFERENCES/SOURCES:

https://climate.gov.ph/news/360

https://www.textileschool.com/10506/traditional-weaving-methods-around-the-world/

https://climate.gov.ph/news/402

Elpidio Quirino – A Leader Shaped By History

    Elpidio Rivera Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur – a heritage city that would later honor him as one of its most distinguished sons. His father, Mariano Quirino, worked as a jail warden, while his mother, Gregoria Rivera, was a teacher who emphasized the value of education. At age eight, tragedy changed the course of his life when his parents and two siblings were killed during the 1898 Philippine Revolution against Spain, leaving him orphaned and struggling to survive. Despite poverty and hardship, Quirino worked odd jobs – including as a messenger and house helper – to fund his schooling. He went on to earn a law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1915, graduating with honors. This journey from orphan to scholar forged in him a deep empathy for the marginalized and a relentless drive to build a more equitable nation.

    Quirino’s political career began in 1919 when he was elected representative of Ilocos Sur to the Philippine Legislature, where he focused on labor protection and agricultural development. He served as a senator from 1925 to 1935, then held cabinet positions as Secretary of Finance and Secretary of the Interior under President Manuel L. Quezon during the Commonwealth era. When World War II broke out, he was captured by Japanese forces but escaped to join the resistance movement, contributing to underground efforts to liberate the Philippines. After the war, he was elected Vice President in 1946 alongside Manuel Roxas. Following Roxas’ sudden death in 1948, Quirino assumed the presidency and won a full term in 1949. His tenure came at a critical time when the nation was transitioning from colonial rule and war to independence and reconstruction.

    Quirino’s presidency was defined by post-war recovery and nation-building. He established the Philippine Rehabilitation Finance Corporation (now the Development Bank of the Philippines) to provide loans for infrastructure, agriculture, and industry. He expanded access to education by building hundreds of schools and increasing scholarships, while also improving public healthcare across the country. In foreign policy, he balanced ties with the United States with a firm stance on sovereignty – renegotiating the Bell Trade Act and revising military bases agreements. He also played a key role in founding the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954 to strengthen regional security. Quirino’s legacy lies in his commitment to uplifting the Filipino people, drawing from his own experiences of hardship to ensure that progress reached all sectors of society. Though his term faced challenges like inflation and political unrest, his efforts laid essential groundwork for the Philippines’ long-term development.

REFERENCES & SOURCES

https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/753/today-in-philippine-history-november-16-1890-elpidio-quirino-the-sixth-president-of-the-philippines-was-born-in-the-town-of-vigan-ilocos-sur

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/section/history/presidents-of-the-philippines/elpidio-r-quirino/

https://presidentialmuseum.gov.ph/elpidio-r-quirino/

https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/news/state-of-the-nation-address-history-photos-a00297-20210726-lfrm2

https://www.flickr.com/photos/govph/14656431414

Our Kids Deserve Better: Thoughts on Children's Month 2025

     This November, we're celebrating National Children's Month with a big focus: "OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!" That means we need to stop online abuse and exploitation of kids. It's about making sure our children are safe and have their rights protected, especially online.

      The government has a big job here. They've made laws to protect kids, like ones against abuse and online pornography. But just having laws isn't enough. We need to make sure these laws are actually used and that they keep up with new dangers online. It's good that there are special police units for this, but they need enough help and training to do their job well.

      We also need to teach kids how to stay safe online. They should know about keeping their information private and using the internet responsibly. Parents and teachers need to learn how to spot danger signs too. We can also use ads and campaigns to tell everyone about the risks and how to report problems. It's important for the government, charities, and companies to work together to protect our kids.

      Protecting our children is everyone's job. We all need to promise to make sure kids are safe and can grow up happy and healthy. If we work together, we can make sure that every child in the Philippines has a bright future.

 

References:

https://pia.gov.ph/gallery/infographics/paraan-para-mapanatling-ligtas-ang-mga-bata-sa-digital-world/

https://www.facebook.com/share/16jyrDAm1p/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GXFC79jpN/

My Vigan Adventure Blog!

    The Philippines is known as a really fun place to visit, with so many amazing things to see and do. Now, the country is saying "It's More Fun in the Philippines!" and inviting everyone to share their own fun experiences. As Grade 10 students who love computers, we're joining in with our own special project called "It's More Fun sa Pamayanan" (It's More Fun in Our Community!). Our goal is to show you just how fun and exciting Vigan City is!

    Vigan City is like a magical place where the past comes alive. It's a special city with old-fashioned streets and houses that have been around for many, many years. But Vigan isn't just about old things; it's also a lively place with friendly people, unique local products, interesting jobs, and awesome places to visit. It's a place where you can feel like you've traveled back in time while still enjoying all the fun of today!

    Hidden Garden Vigan: Imagine a secret garden, hidden away from the busy city. That's the Hidden Garden! It's a peaceful place filled with green plants, colorful flowers, and a calm, relaxing feeling. You can walk along winding paths, admire all the different plants, and even enjoy a tasty meal at the garden's restaurant. It's a perfect spot to escape and enjoy nature.

Pagburnayan Vigan: At Pagburnayan, you can see how people make pots out of clay, just like they did long ago. Skilled artists use their hands and simple tools to create beautiful pots. You can even try making your own pot on a spinning wheel! It's a fascinating experience to see how these traditional crafts are made.

    Vigan Cathedral (St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral): This huge church is a symbol of Vigan's history and religion. It's a beautiful building with amazing details that show how people built things long ago. Inside, it's a quiet and peaceful place where people can pray and think. The Vigan Cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

    Baluarte is more than just a zoo; it's a place where you can get close to animals and learn about them. You can see tigers, lions, birds, and many other creatures from around the world. It's a fun and educational experience for the whole family! You can also enjoy other attractions and learn about how we can protect animals.

    Calle Crisologo Vigan: Walking down Calle Crisologo is like stepping back in time. This famous street is lined with old houses, cobblestone streets, and charming shops. You can take a ride in a kalesa (a horse-drawn carriage) and feel like you're in old Vigan. You can also buy local crafts and souvenirs, and soak up the atmosphere of this historic street. It's a perfect place to take photos and imagine what life was like in the past.

Through our travel blogs, we want to show you all the amazing things that Vigan has to offer. Join us as we explore the hidden treasures, celebrate the local culture, and show the world why "It's More Fun sa Pamayanan" in Vigan! We hope our blogs will inspire you to visit Vigan and experience its magic for yourself!

My Quarter 2 Reflection

    This quarter, I learned so much about making my own blog and using special computer codes called HTML tags and attributes. I found out how tags like <p> for words, <h1> for big titles, and <img> for pictures help build a page. Attributes, like src for picture locations, make these tags work even better. It was amazing to see my ideas turn into a real website.

    But it wasn't always easy. I often made mistakes in the HTML code, and my blog wouldn't look right. Finding these small errors in many lines of code was hard and sometimes made me feel stuck. Also, trying to write good things for my blog and fix the code at the same time was a big challenge.

    To fix these problems, I didn't give up. I patiently looked for my coding mistakes and used simple online guides and videos to learn more. I also made a plan to spend time writing on some days and coding on others, which helped a lot.

    Next, I want to learn more about making my blog look even nicer with more codes like CSS. I also want to make sure my blog works well on phones and share more interesting things with everyone. My journey with blogging is just starting!

https://pin.it/5DnJaGi8c

https://pin.it/4y7mwzKFX

https://pin.it/6wCwKYnFz

My Teacher, My Hero

 

   The 2025 Teacher's Month Celebration, with its warm theme "My Teacher, My Hero," feels very special this year. As we enter October, everyone is thinking about the amazing people who teach us. This celebration isn't just a date; it's a way for our whole country to say thank you to the everyday heroes in our schools. They don't just teach lessons; they help build our future. It's a time to really see and thank them for all their hard work that often goes unnoticed.

    For me, showing thanks to these heroes means remembering the exact times they helped me. I recall a tough problem I had earlier this year, and it was advice from an old teacher that showed me the way. Their lessons weren't just for a test; they were for life. This 2025 celebration reminds me to reach out, even with a quick message, to thank those who made a difference. It’s about letting them know their hard work truly mattered and still helps me today.

    To show my respect and thanks during this 2025 celebration, I think it's important to really join in the spirit of the theme. This could mean going to school events for Teacher's Month, sharing good stories about teachers online, or just writing a honest thank-you note. It's about making sure every teacher, whether they taught me long ago or are teaching now, feels seen and valued for all the great things they do.

    Teachers help build our future not just by sharing facts, but by giving us a sense of purpose and strength. In 2025, with all the changes happening, their job to get us ready for what's next is more important than ever. They teach us to think for ourselves, to change with the times, and to always try to get better. Their hard work makes sure we have not just facts, but also the good character and courage to face tomorrow's challenges.

    This Teacher's Month in 2025, I celebrate every teacher who has ever made someone feel good, shown them the way, or believed in a student. They are the true heroes who build the strong base of our society, one lesson, one student, and one future at a time. Their steady effort to help young minds grow is a gift to all of us, and their impact will keep shaping the world long after this celebration is over.

References:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1442137001248074&set=a.513209064140877&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1442139271247847&set=a.513209064140877&type=3

Third Picture: Captured by Abad Santos Ict-10