A SPECIAL DAY FOR THE MOTHERS WHO ARE MOSTLY UNDERRATED IN THIS MALE-DOMINATED SOCIETY

 

Mother's Day is an international holiday honoring mothers that is observed in many nations. The modern version of the holiday is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the United States. Many other countries observe the holiday on this day, while others do it at different periods of the year. On Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, the custom of permitting those who had migrated away to visit their home parishes and mothers evolved during the Middle Ages. In the United Kingdom, this became Mothering Sunday, which has mostly been superseded by Mother's Day in modern times.

 

The ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother's Day is the early Christian festival known as "Mothering Sunday," which fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their "mother church."  

Mother's Day is an international holiday commemorating the respect, honor, and love that people have for their mothers. The day is dedicated to honoring mothers' contributions, as well as the efforts of maternal bonds and the role of mothers in our society. It is a day that reminds people of the importance and significance of mothers in their lives, and it is marked as a day to honor all mothers around the world.

                     

Every mother devotes her entire life to her child. No one can measure the depth of a mother's sacrifice, and we can never repay our moms' invaluable favors and love. It is our responsibility to care for, respect, and love our mothers. Mother's Day is observed to honor our mothers and to express them our undying love and affection. Even though Mother's Day is observed every year on the second Sunday in May, we should honor our mothers every day to make them feel special.

                         

 

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kwanzaa

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/144396731781591929/ 

 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/329044316533924564/

 https://blog.shyaway.com/how-a-mother-plays-an-inseparable-role-in-each-of-our-lives/

https://www.engadget.com/mothers-day-gift-ideas-123010613.html

 

 

BINATBATAN FESTIVAL AS A WEAVING WONDERLAND

The "Heritage City," as Vigan is known, bursts into merry colors through its Binatbatan Festival, a non- Religious Festival in honor of the thanks-giving & celebration of peoples' Weaving Industry held around May. Binatbatan Festival has its origins in Vigan's abel weaving industry, which existed long before the Spaniards arrived to colonize the Philippines. It is derived from the word batbat, which refers to a pair of bamboo sticks used to extract cotton pods from kapas sanglay trees. In Ilocano, the word "kapas" (from kapas sanglay) signifies "cotton."

 

 

This festival began in 2002 to highlight this ancient weaving technique that predates the arrival of the Spaniards. Binatbatan became another Ilocano folk dance or an occupational dance. Performers of this dance maneuver in and out of the parallel sticks and the resulting rhythm and speed of the beating of sticks made a colorful and lively display.

Street dancers of the Binatbatan Festival joyfully and cheerfully wave their "batbat," some simulate the method done by abel-weavers in separating the pieces of cotton as they gracefully perform the process artistically with the beat of the drums and lyres rolling around the historic streets of the heritage city of Vigan.

Despite the fact that it was an extremely hot day, the street dancers continued to beam with joy at their rich history and tradition. Street dancing becomes more exciting over time, from Vigan's bustling Quezon Avenue to the lively Liberation Boulevard to the tranquil and quiet Calle Crisologo.

Even small children who participated in the street dance gave it their all without showing any signs of tiredness or complaint.

This year's event was quite different from previous years' celebrations before the COVID-19 pandemic. There were more activities conducted then than as of now during the pandemic with only limited activities connected to this festival. However, what matters is that we still remember and recognize this festival.

 

Sources:

https://www.edmaration.com/2012/05/viva-vigan-festival-binatbatan-street.html

https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/viva-vigan-festival-of-the-arts.html#:~:text=Binatbatan%20dancing%20is%20connected%20to,the%20arrival%20of%20the%20Spaniards.

 https://www.discoverthephilippines.com/vigan-city-visitors-guide/

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-VLD2Eq8bLkI%2FWRgEn219qxI%2FAAAAAAAAAOI%2FgsinQ0j8rckp1hTw3OCl9Y_B2c114j4CgCLcB%2Fs1600%2FSequence%252B01.Still078.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbryanrrealgo.blogspot.com%2F2017%2F05%2Fvigans-binatbatan-street-dancing.html&tbnid=kz7rKebza230iM&vet=12ahUKEwiw2fyetaX4AhXDAaYKHeUAAzgQMyg7egQIARBv..i&docid=HWpjaUI8qIOVvM&w=720&h=480&q=Binatbatan%20Festival&ved=2ahUKEwiw2fyetaX4AhXDAaYKHeUAAzgQMyg7egQIARBv#imgrc=kz7rKebza230iM&imgdii=paiOr1ccgP395M

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vigattintourism.com%2Fassets%2Farticle_main_photos%2Foptimize%2F1351133292Q1qdcQsq.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vigattintourism.com%2Ftourism%2Farticles%2FViva-Vigan-Binatbatan-Festival-of-the-Arts-2012&tbnid=FiPDQup7YFpeQM&vet=12ahUKEwiw2fyetaX4AhXDAaYKHeUAAzgQMygCegUIARDaAQ..i&docid=bhRmVkiOaS4o4M&w=1024&h=686&q=Binatbatan%20Festival&ved=2ahUKEwiw2fyetaX4AhXDAaYKHeUAAzgQMygCegUIARDaAQ

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJu7hKrZuLXQiveTFXxbw1q-O9PVBl98ZJMzOBGAkGZh6c-qXek-12igumWEMOn233YmZRGsNkSsKhTZbMufZ6yaNNSQfuiGXVWQbcb_ebxmwl0SbCBNoVsUxN_IuPu-cvRzRNq5ifOsY/s640/SAM_3270.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/ManiniyotCapture/posts/pfbid02FDH62WWLdSLKkPN4xd9VHiz4tyA5p4xQasPXJd9qFCtu6LoKicntp76FGjfXS1WYl

https://www.facebook.com/catchupfotogra/posts/pfbid0nUGySDm5vcfNokngZ1ppPGRFSSH9U53R1uSxG73qndN7E7KwDPsuM6tkDvWKAVchl

 

 

JUANA, YOU ARE NOT A PROBLEM, YOU ARE A VERY IMPORTANT SOLUTION

      The COVID‑19 pandemic is harming health, social and economic well-being worldwide, with women at the centre. First and foremost, women are leading the health response: women make up almost 70% of the health care workforce, exposing them to a greater risk of infection. At the same time, women are also shouldering much of the burden at home, given school and child care facility closures and longstanding gender inequalities in unpaid work. Women also face high risks of job and income loss, and face increased risks of violence, exploitation, abuse, or harassment during times of crisis and quarantine.

 

      The COVID‑19 pandemic is creating a profound shock worldwide, with different implications for men and women. Women are serving on the frontlines against COVID‑19, and the impact of the crisis on women is stark. Women face compounding burdens: they are over-represented working in health systems, continue to do the majority of unpaid care work in households, face high risks of economic insecurity (both today and tomorrow), and face increased risks of violence, exploitation, abuse, or harassment during times of crisis and quarantine. The pandemic has had and will continue to have a major impact on the health and well-being of many vulnerable groups. Women are among those most heavily affected.  

      Women are at the forefront of the battle against the pandemic as they make up almost 70% of the healthcare workforce, exposing them to greater risk of infection, while they are under-represented in leadership and decision-making processes in the healthcare sector. Moreover, due to persistent gender inequalities across many dimensions, women’s jobs, businesses, incomes, and wider living standards may be more exposed than men’s to the anticipated widespread economic fallout from the crisis. Among seniors, globally, there are more elderly women living alone on low incomes – putting them at higher risk of economic insecurity.

 

      Women are playing a key role in the health care response to the COVID‑19 crisis. Women constitute an estimated two-thirds of the health workforce worldwide, and while globally they are under-represented among physicians, dentists and pharmacists, they make up around 85% of nurses and midwives in the 104 countries for which data are available. In OECD countries, almost half of doctors are now women. Women also make up the overwhelming majority of the long-term care (LTC) workforce – just over 90%, on average across OECD countries. Despite the fact that the majority of the health care workforce is female, women still make up only a minority of senior or leadership positions in health.

Sources:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpcw.gov.ph%2F2021-national-womens-month%2F&psig=AOvVaw0HWlwIB4w2oqI2tYsRB0QZ&ust=1651657876177000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCPClmqOHw_cCFQAAAAAdAAAAABA2

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.csis.org%2Fanalysis%2Felevating-women-peacebuilders-amidst-covid-19&psig=AOvVaw0HWlwIB4w2oqI2tYsRB0QZ&ust=1651657876177000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCPClmqOHw_cCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.intracen.org%2Fnews%2FWomen-have-a-vital-role-to-play-in-post-pandemic-recovery%2F&psig=AOvVaw21_OIAUL0f-F_236brOp9l&ust=1651657739588000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCPCemN-Gw_cCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

 

 

THIRD QUARTER: A CHALLENGING QUARTER

      Another quarter of this school year has been done, a quarter that gave me again new learnings and discoveries. This quarter introduced to me the Community-Based Research, I have no idea how to compose one. However, because of the Concept Notes, I gradually learned how to make and accomplish one. I learned all the components of the Community-Based Project which is very helpful because it served as my guide in composing my Community-Based Research/Project. This quarter also made me deepen my knowledge about the community to which I belong, I was able to gather different information and fun facts about my beloved municipality, Bantay, which made me more aware now about the municipality I belong in. I was also able to share my learnings with my brother which will serve as a “getting-ready” thing for him.

 

            

      Upon accomplishing all our tasks, the problems and challenges are unavoidable. Some of the problems and challenges I have encountered are my difficulty in composing essays and composing my Community-Based Research. Since this quarter has a lot of essay-making, there are times that I was running out of words and ideas. And in composing my Community-Based Research, I had difficulty composing the components of it. Among all of our tasks, this task was the one that badly challenged me. Furthermore, I also experienced procrastinating all the time and just disregarding my school works to worn on. Consequently, I end up cramming all my unaccomplished tasks and school requirements.

      However, I’m grateful because I was able to cope with those problems and challenges. I addressed those problems and challenges by reminding myself that I am a completer of Junior High School, and it is only a matter of time before I will soon graduate from Junior High School, that is why I am motivated to do my activities to work on. I was able to able to address all of those by motivating myself. And about the difficulties I encountered, I am giving myself a time to learn well a certain thing that I am challenged with and for me to be better, I also take time to keep on trying until I am satisfied with the outcome, for instance, is the composing of my Community-Based Research.

                                  

      Moving on, I will still learn and practice more with the topic I am having difficulty with. I will still continue making myself aware of the community I belong in, I will still gather more reliable information and fun fact about our community in different matters, especially with its Arts and Culture. In addition, I will still expand my knowledge so that I can share even more information and learnings with my friends and family. Lastly, I will treasure again these new learnings and discoveries that I have gained, I will take all of these as I enter Quarter 4. 

Sources:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcu.ie%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fcommunity%2Fpdfs%2Fcbr_methods_an_introduction_prof_munck.pdf&psig=AOvVaw1Tg-NPQ1-QXqHyoMMx_6sr&ust=1651653462740000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCMC9t4P3wvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.editage.com%2Finsights%2F3-basic-tips-on-writing-a-good-research-paper-title&psig=AOvVaw1OSR3M8kdLf8StP4pFKxcO&ust=1651654021844000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCLiFkP74wvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAQ

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.freepik.com%2Fpremium-photo%2Flittle-girl-thinking-hard-failed-many-times-while-writing-composition-difficult-subject_16647602.htm&psig=AOvVaw1OSR3M8kdLf8StP4pFKxcO&ust=1651654021844000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCLiFkP74wvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAW

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.enago.com%2Facademy%2Fhow-to-gather-information-for-research-smartly%2F&psig=AOvVaw11i2U8RBspdEO3eBnP3udv&ust=1651654266452000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCKC3r-z5wvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

ACCELARATING A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE COVID-19 VACCINE

 

      Since the pandemic began, RAND expertise has helped leaders and decision-makers tackle important issues related to health care responses; reopening schools and businesses while preventing further disease spread; and how to address hesitancy and misinformation about vaccines. And while much of the world has shifted its focus from pandemic response to pandemic recovery, many important questions remain. How has the COVID-19 era exacerbated inequities in health, economic, and education outcomes? What is known about the mental health toll of the crisis? Are there lessons that can help prevent future pandemics?

 

      Answers to these questions may help communities, businesses, and individuals recover long after the worst of the pandemic has passed. The availability of a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 is well-recognized as an additional tool to contribute to the control of the pandemic. At the same time, the challenges and efforts needed to rapidly develop, evaluate and produce this at scale are enormous. It is vital that we evaluate as many vaccines as possible as we cannot predict how many will turn out to be viable. To increase the chances of success (given the high level of attrition during vaccine development), we must test all candidate vaccines until they fail. WHO is working to ensure that all of them have the chance of being tested at the initial stage of development. This is a major and extraordinary global research undertaking: WHO is facilitating collaboration and accelerated efforts on a scale not seen before; it is convening vital communications across the research community and beyond.

 

      CDC recommends everyone ages 5 years and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. Everyone ages 12 years and older should also get a COVID-19 booster shot. Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the only vaccine authorized or approved for children ages 5 through 17 years. Children and teens need two doses of a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Everyone ages 12 years and older should also get a booster shot. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to people ages 12 years and older. However, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for teens and adults cannot be used for children ages 5 through 11 years. It is important to have a vaccine, especially for children because they are the one who has a low immune system. The COVID-19 Vaccines mimic the virus or bacteria that cause disease and trigger the body’s creation of antibodies. These antibodies will provide protection once a person is infected with the actual disease-causing virus or bacteria. Vaccines will help children and teens to boost their immune systems.

Sources:

https://www.rand.org/latest/covid-19.html

https://doh.gov.ph/faqs/vaccines

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rand.org%2Flatest%2Fcovid-19.html&psig=AOvVaw3X3SHQoS4j_uIaCTwlvBUB&ust=1651649140323000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCNjX64rpwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yalemedicine.org%2Fnews%2Fvaccine-content-center&psig=AOvVaw2aTEw3wt21G8dDOzwSa41P&ust=1651649223563000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCJDd0JvnwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAI

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fnewshour%2Fhealth%2Fthe-covid-19-vaccine-and-kids-your-questions-answered&psig=AOvVaw30dSQS1mh7Aytdum3rM0mK&ust=1651649331128000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCIjBsbLnwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAX

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO COMMEMORATE THE “DAY OF VALOR” WHICH IS ALSO THE DAY OF THE 'FALL OF BATAAN'?

    

            

                                                

 

      The Battle of Bataan (7th of January 1942–9th of April 1942) took place between American and Philippine troops against Japanese troops during World War II. This battle is considered the most intense part of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines during World War II. In January 1942, Imperial Japanese Army forces occupied Luzon along with other Philippine islands, after Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Although Manila was then declared an “open city” so as not to be much affected by the war the Japanese still dropped bombs on it. The capital fell completely to Japan in January 1942.

 

                 

                                        

      It is not a celebration to commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan or the Day of Valor if not to remember the courage of the Filipinos who fought and gave their lives for the people even though the country's defense at the Corregidor in Bataan "collapsed" on April 9, 1942. This happened during the second world war and Japan wanted to occupy America's allies, including the Philippines. To prevent Japanese soldiers from entering Manila immediately, the country set up a strong defense in Corregidor, accompanied by Filipino and American soldiers.

             

      Day of Valor isn’t just a nationwide regular holiday --- it is one of those special days that brings back to life the stories of gallant Filipinos who fought for the country’s freedom during World War II. Amid the unsparing battles happening throughout WWII (1938 to 1945), the Philippines was the last country among the Southeast Asian nations that surrendered to the Japanese forces. While invaders occupied countries such as Singapore, British Malaya (Malaysia), and the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia), the campaign for the Philippines was the longest to take place. Filipino and allied American troops kept resistance against the Japanese invaders not until April 9, 1942, when the forces officially surrendered, marking the historical day of the Fall of Bataan.

      The world will long remember the epic struggle that Filipino and American soldiers put up in the jungle fastness and along the rugged coast of Bataan. They have stood up uncomplaining under the constant and grueling fire of the enemy for more than three months. Besieged on land and blockaded by sea, cut off from all sources of help in the Philippines and in America, the intrepid fighters have done all that human endurance could bear,” this was the message delivered by Third Lieutenant Normando Ildefonso Reyes, as written by Captain Salvador Lopez, through the Voice of Freedom Radio Broadcast following the unfaithful announcement: “Bataan has fallen”.

              

                                               

      For the Bataan and Corregidor Defenders and their descendants, memories of the battle may be too painful to remember; a father was lost, a brother suffered, and a comrade was killed. But these memories are now written in history as a true testament to the Filipino forces’ bravery in the face of strong opponents and all odds. 

      Remembering the Fall of Bataan is not just an event to look back on history and recall what happened that day. Araw ng Kagitingan is a day to honor the nation’s heroes and recognize their sacrifices for the sake of the freedom Filipinos enjoy today. Letting their stories of dedication, gallantry, and love for the country be written not only in history books but also in the hearts of every Filipinos, continuously inspiring them to take a brave step forward when challenges of the country come.

 

Sources:

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/talakayan/783136/bakit-mahalagang-gunitain-ang-araw-ng-kagitingan-na-araw-din-ng-fall-of-bataan/story/

https://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araw_ng_Kagitingan

https://army.mil.ph/home/index.php/featured-stories/1226-araw-ng-kagitingan-remembering-the-brave-in-the-fall-of-bataan

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBattle_of_Bataan&psig=AOvVaw2INo2kCk9O6Qh_f5J_-jyE&ust=1651643136199000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCND-26jQwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thoughtco.com%2Fbattle-of-bataan-2360457&psig=AOvVaw2INo2kCk9O6Qh_f5J_-jyE&ust=1651643136199000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCND-26jQwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAO

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBattle_of_Bataan&psig=AOvVaw0XUN64B38Hr2DXkENVrGG7&ust=1651643276924000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCOi0nO7QwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBattle_of_Bataan&psig=AOvVaw0XUN64B38Hr2DXkENVrGG7&ust=1651643276924000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCOi0nO7QwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAN

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wazzuppilipinas.com%2F2021%2F04%2Fphilippines-observes-araw-ng-kagitingan.html&psig=AOvVaw1LyEvJmhbwY05SP7Rct0eJ&ust=1651643393526000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCJDsqK3XwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAK

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wazzuppilipinas.com%2F2021%2F04%2Fphilippines-observes-araw-ng-kagitingan.html&psig=AOvVaw1LyEvJmhbwY05SP7Rct0eJ&ust=1651643393526000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCJDsqK3XwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAP

https://www.google.com/urlsa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wearethemighty.com%2Farticles%2Fapril-8-today-in-military-history-the-japanese-take-bataan%2F&psig=AOvVaw3VpYExGp_Q_FgbnX49u3YZ&ust=1651643599163000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCLjrldfXwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fphilippinemorningpost.com%2Faraw-ng-kagitingan-the-fall-of-bataan-the-rise-of-modern-day-heroes%2F&psig=AOvVaw3BKjSFl3c9vS5IUKnC7HtI&ust=1651643718177000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCMD90tTSwvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

LENTEN SEASON: A SEASON OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AND BRINGING ONE SOUL CLOSE TO GOD BY REPENTANCE

    

        As an important religious observance in the Christian world, Lent is the season to observe and commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. It is an opportune time to reflect on what it means to be a follower of Christ. This year, Lent takes place from Wednesday, March 2, to Thursday, April 14, 2022, while Easter takes place on Sunday, April 16. As Lent 2022 commences, Christians worldwide mark the season with traditions that include self-sacrifice, penance, fasting, and almsgiving — but with a new sense of hope after two dark pandemic years. Many churches shut their doors, went virtual, or altered services to heed health warnings during the past two Lenten seasons, while in contrast Lent 2022, which began on March 2, finds worship largely returning to “normal.” This year, “Lent is not about worshipping from home,” says a cautiously optimistic Fr. Edmundo Zarate, Catholic pastor of St. Anthony Church in National City and St. Jude Church in San Diego. “We are part of a community, the body of Christ as St. Paul tells the Corinthians, and we now have the opportunity to be witnesses in that faith community — no matter our religious tradition.

 

        The COVID-19 pandemic has taken with it some of our weak and elderly people and added to our vulnerabilities. It has made us more conscious of our limitations and has prevented many of the movements and activities we wanted to carry out. It has been a kind of prolonged Lenten season of good thinking and purification. It has forced us to cut down on travels and meetings proving that many of them may not be necessary. Further review of our life should take place during the liturgical time of Lent we just entered on Ash Wednesday on the 2nd of March. Let us focus on the spiritual dimension and the main options we have, such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Prayer ensures our closeness to God, the source of all strength. The absence of prayer means exclusive trust in our human means and resources, which may be relevant and consistent, but still limited and defined. We may be intelligent and of good character, nicely projecting ourselves, like a fancy car, colorful and fast, but useless and powerless without fuel. It is our eyes fixed on God and our trust in his words that give us inspiration, direction, and inner strength to face what comes our way and see the challenges and the meaning of it. Prayers keep our hearts open and our minds honest. Fasting takes many meanings and many ways nowadays. Abstaining from food can only be an external sign of a deeper engagement against all poisonous nourishment. It’s not much what comes from outside that we need to fast from, but what comes from inside. It’s already there and it’s damaging: lack of interest, laziness, hatred, jealousy, greed. This horrible mixture translates into alcoholism, neglect of children, violence against women, sorcery practices and false accusations, absenteeism from duties, financial and political corruption, and other evils. Either fasting from food is a sign and a means of detachment from evil practices or it just remains the show of hypocrites. All need to translate into almsgiving. Not dole-outs. Not a once-a-while donation. But an attitude of constant charity with solidarity and justice. It means open arms for families without food, children with no school fees, people in hospital or in jail especially with no relatives visiting and supporting them, displaced people, and refugees.

 

         For many people, Lent is associated with certain kinds of sacrifice: giving up something one enjoys for the season, abstaining from meat on Fridays, and fasting on prescribed dates. These forms of voluntary self-denial have served the Christian faithful well over the centuries as a set of practices that help take us out of our daily routines and ordinary life in order to renew ourselves in living the Gospel. As we journey towards Easter and the celebration of the risen Lord, it is our duty to make this attitude sink in our minds and hearts. At the end of Lent, we all should be able to say that we have strengthened our prayer life, we have departed from negative thoughts and practices, and we have helped somebody one way or another. That would be a true sign of conversion leading to life and resurrection.

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/story/2022-03-06/third-pandemic-lent-brings-optimism-opportunity-for-renewal

https://www.ncronline.org/news/coronavirus/faith-seeking-understanding/lets-go-back-basics-lent-during-pandemic-year

https://www.facebook.com/1990508077827987/posts/3059663727579078/

https://www.facebook.com/1990508077827987/posts/3058454854366632/

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.twinkl.co.uk%2Fevent%2Fash-wednesday-uk-2022&psig=AOvVaw1k5DC34osAyoYHFwysv9mW&ust=1648961297339000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCJjKp-fJ9PYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

 

KANNAWIDAN FESTVAL: THE GEM OF THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR

      Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is one of the famous festivals in Ilocos Sur. It celebrates Ilocos Sur's abundant culture and traditions, and its separation from Ilocos Norte. It is a celebration that lasts from the last week of January and ends in the first week of February. Numerous exciting activities and shows will be featured during the span of the festival.  It features various race games and tribe ceremonies from the upland municipalities of the province. Its goal is to enrich the memory of the youth and continue to be passed on to future generations.

      The Kannawidan Festival is the main festival in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. In fact, “kannawidan” is an Ilocano word that means heritage or tradition. It was started to strengthen the Ilocano culture, to recognize the Ilocanos who have brought honor to the province of Ilocos Sur, to celebrate the bountiful harvest of the current year, and to celebrate the spirit and culture of Ilocos Sur. Various festivals are prepared every year. It boasts and showcases the products of Ilocos Sur, the fruits of a plentiful harvest, the beautiful buildings and attractions visited by tourists, the fruits of Ilocano art in art, music, design, and dance, as well as the region's traditional cuisine. This festival showcases the culture, history, tradition, and spirit of Ilocos Sur.

 

      The Kannawidan Ylocos Festival encourages the younger generations to learn the indigenous songs and dances of the province of Ilocos Sur so that they will have ideas and knowledge about the culture of this province, therefore, those various cultures and traditions will continue to be known, shared, and lived with future generations. This celebration highlights the Ilocanos' deep-rooted religiosity; it is the Ilocanos' way of thanking the Almighty not just for the many bounties, but also for the province's rich heritage, which includes close family relationships among the Ilocanos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

https://www.facebook.com/paradoresdevigan/posts/what-is-kannawidan-ylocos-festival-kannawidan-ylocos-festival-is-one-of-the-famo/2450763071855200/

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makeheritagefun.com%2Fkannawidan-ylocos-festival-will-commence-unesco-whs-vigan-city%2F&psig=AOvVaw2gxRC8-gRg6T5ZktOPov1O&ust=1646294839744000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCPC9t6v8pvYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAP

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vigattintourism.com%2Ftourism%2Farticles%2FKannawidan-Ylocos-Festival-Pride-of-the-Ilocano-Culture&psig=AOvVaw2X0RIOfwREPAmBoS3heCqJ&ust=1646293248569000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCLDxl7v2pvYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vigattintourism.com%2Ftourism%2Farticles%2FKannawidan-Ylocos-Festival-Pride-of-the-Ilocano-Culture&psig=AOvVaw0aUUxAE-bpudsjJ6rx-GUC&ust=1646293320700000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCJj4yeL2pvYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

HERITAGE CITY OF VIGAN: HOW DID BIGUEÑOS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DURING THE PANDEMIC

     The Christmas in Heritage City of Vigan is started at "Ber months". Christmas is very special and getting ready to celebrate especially in the Heritage City of Vigan, Bigueños always prepare for Christmas they make their houses colorful with some Christmas lights on them. Christmas Season in Vigan City really hits differently, Bigueños usually celebrate it with full of effort. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 strikes and Bigueños we're not able to celebrate the event like how they celebrated before the pandemic. 

      Before the pandemic strikes, a lot of tourists are celebrating their Christmas in the Heritage City of Vigan. Most of them are family, friends, and couples, but all of a sudden the pandemic started to spread, and the Christmas in Heritage became more lonely and sad instead of joy and happiness. Last December 24-25 last year, many people felt a little nostalgic feeling, including me because I and my friends Celebrate Christmas in the Heritage City of Vigan and join the different activities regrading to the celebration of Christmas. The COVID-19 pandemic is really a life-changing experience, we are not able to celebrate different events like Christmas, different events and holidays that we have been celebrating for multiple years. Instead of celebrating happily, with full of excitement and enjoyment in that said event, some people are in their own houses celebrating the event with unusual feeling and unusual way, because of the fear of covid-19 may afflict them. In celebrating Christmas in the Heritage City of Vigan in New Normal, there are a lot of challenges people were faced, the local vendors who are expecting that many tourists will come and visit are disappointed, because usually every celebration of Christmas in the Heritage City of Vigan, there's a lot of tourists that will buy local souvenirs and Products and purchase a hotel room to stay with to celebrate Christmas here in Heritage which will help our local government and vendors are lessen because of the pandemic during the Christmas.

 

     Therefore the Bigueños experienced the Christmas season during the pandemic in the Heritage City of Vigan is great unlike how we celebrate Christmas last 2020. In the 2021 economy and tourists are back and local government and local vendors are Seems a bit happy because it helps them both and the tourist and local tourist experience a new normal and a little bit of nostalgic feeling because we experience Christmas the way we usually do.

Sources:

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lFXdi7sukmw%2FUOhLGf_00uI%2FAAAAAAAAJRA%2FKV2R7D3JvOc%2Fw1200-h630-p-k-no-nu%2FDSC_9994.JPG&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwelscua.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fmy-vigan-home-hotel-vigan-city.html&tbnid=T2hzdOd71fYPkM&vet=12ahUKEwiZmoH25Y32AhUKCpQKHWTYAtsQMygUegUIARDUAQ..i&docid=Dr2C-mKVIkfNlM&w=800&h=420&q=christmas%20season%20in%20Vigan%20City&hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwiZmoH25Y32AhUKCpQKHWTYAtsQMygUegUIARDUAQ

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F211669251216806058%2F&psig=AOvVaw03A6Aw9-qR3LW051IVNXjA&ust=1645429831216000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCKi7koLmjfYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAZ

https://scontent.fmnl25-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/258854927_4749088181803964_4146965373869860283_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_eui2=AeFSX0ASiO2aKJESBdNM-0lnpJENY44wV7akkQ1jjjBXttfQV74u-57jrhOnxCrkWv7VYbPfdeYTNoC-5eV8ASLg&_nc_ohc=cBlEeEAzT3wAX-SD4O-&_nc_ht=scontent.fmnl25-1.fna&oh=00_AT8hfYaEHEOci28oo76N33gWkS0zNLPYtCD-6HYsWdUVTA&oe=6216F253

ANOTHER QUARTER THAT I CONQUERED: A QUARTER WITH FULL OF NEW THINGS THAT I DISCOVERED

      Another Quarter completed, another discoveries and knowledge that I gained. Our Second Quarter was all about HTML, our module contains the introduction of HTML, the introduction of different tags to be used, and different steps on how to create an HTML file. Our lessons within the quarter in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) were also fun as the last quarter, I was able to finish our activities because of the help of our Learning Activity Sheets. Within this Quarter, I gained different learnings and discoveries, I learned how to create an HTML file which also challenge me, maybe because of being a first timer with it. I learned how to use and apply the different tags in an applicable and appropriate way which will be a big help for future purposes. Because of this quarter, I discovered one of the easiest ways to create a webpage.

       In accomplishing our Second Quarter, we are tasked to do different activities in which we will apply the different tags discussed in our module. I encountered some problems while performing those activities from the first activity until the last one. I admit that I had a bit of difficulty while performing those, for instance, the Activity 11 in week 5, I had difficulty deciding which words and sentences I will apply the different tags indicated with the following instructions in that task. It was also confusing because of the display of text in the notepad. Additionally, there was also the time that I had difficulty in memorizing some of the tags, there was the case that I swapped the use of one tag to a different tag. Creating an HTML file really takes a lot of time, which challenged me as well, there was a moment that I already want to give up on that one activity. However, all of those problems and challenges that I encountered, I find a lot of possible ways how to deal with those, I didn't let those lead me to a worst consequence therefore as far as I can, I immediately solved and fixed those. On the difficulty in deciding, I came up with the decision that I should make a list of different words and sentences I will apply the different tags. In terms of the confusion, I helped myself to focus on doing the activity, I realized that I perform the activity with no pressure so that I can prevent being confused with the display of the text. When it comes to the difficulty of memorization, I also made my own list so that it would be easy for me to recheck the uses of different tags and prevent swapping of tags as well as their uses. And with the fact that it really takes time to create and finish one, I prolonged my patience and performed all those activities with extra effort.

       Moving on, I will take all those learnings and discoveries as I take a step to upcoming quarters and grade levels. I will use all of those for future purposes once I need to create and display a text on a webpage because HTML is one of the best ways to create, it is free and user-friendly. I will treasure all those new learnings and discoveries that I gained within the Second Quarter. And when it comes to the lessons that I learned from all the problems and challenges that I encountered, I will always reflect on those and bring all of those as I will encounter again different problems and challenges. I will consider all those lessons as wonderful lessons which once mold me to become a better version of myself and made me improve my ability and skills.

Picture sources: 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.computerhope.com%2Flearnhtm.htm&psig=AOvVaw1jByY7h9Hqathc0wuTW9Sv&ust=1645421468255000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCMj-_43HjfYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAL

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn3.f-cdn.com%2Ffiles%2Fdownload%2F90046415%2Fhtml-trick.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.freelancer.com%2Farticles%2Fweb-development%2F13-cool-tricks-for-html&tbnid=7OXcDoEu9ANExM&vet=12ahUKEwj6xZ7ixo32AhUlyIsBHYvWA3UQMygnegUIARCtAg..i&docid=6m81UkG_XknByM&w=2026&h=1014&q=HTML%20&ved=2ahUKEwj6xZ7ixo32AhUlyIsBHYvWA3UQMygnegUIARCtAg

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fclipart-library.com%2Fdata_images%2F202377.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fclipart-library.com%2Fclipart%2F202377.htm&tbnid=-4ZFP0bLEIfp9M&vet=12ahUKEwjduJ6fyY32AhXXAKYKHQq-ADoQMygYegUIARDvAQ..i&docid=vWvMpFwPXX1xvM&w=400&h=450&q=moving%20on%20clipart&client=ms-android-oppo-rev1&ved=2ahUKEwjduJ6fyY32AhXXAKYKHQq-ADoQMygYegUIARDvAQ