Semana Santa

 

Lenten season in the Philippines is about remembering the sacrifices, suffering and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most of the Filipinos are Christian devotes which considered to be the only country in Asia with the most of its population is Christian devotes. Which is Holy week is uniquely practiced in our tradition. Holy week or Lenten season is referred as Semana Santa or Mahal na araw in our country, the Philippines.

Palm Sunday is the start of the season, then followed by holy Monday to holy Wednesday, maundy Thursday and good Friday: which are consirdered to be a holiday, black Saturday and lastly, Easter Sunday. Philippines is known to be a religious country, therefore, numerous beliefs are believes by the devotes. Every holiday, beliefs or pamahiins are done by the locals. Pamahiins are practices that are passed through generations by generations that our ancestors had created.

There are 5 traditions to be followed during Semana Santa: first is practiced during the first day of Lenten season which is the Ash Wednesday where ashes are used to draw a cross sign on the forehead. This practice expresses inner repentance and the used ashes came from the blessed branches on the previous year’s palm Sunday. Second, a mass of remembrance of the day where Jesus have entered Jerusalem with people waiving palm braches as a sign of acknowledgement. Third, where group of people chants some part of the verses from certain book called Pasyon. This practice is called Pabasa ng Pasyon. Fourth, the senakulo. It is executed on the middle or a certain wide-spaced area. People crucified themselves in front of the public and that expresses penance and resentment. Lastly, the tradition of the Filipinos where visiting 7 churches reciting prayers and following the station of the cross called Visita Iglesia.

It is certain that we, Filipinos are religious and possesses good culture where we constantly remember the true meaning of our lives in reflecting how Jesus have done great sacrifices for the salvation of his people.

 

REFERENCE:

Holy Week in the Philippines. Wikipedia. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Trio_on_crosses.jpg/220px-Trio_on_crosses.jpg retrieved 04-25-2022

The most awaited Festivity

 

One of the biggest festival in Ilocos Sur is the Kannawidan festival. It is celebrated in the month of February. As the whole country recovers from the tedious effect of COVID-19, the ability to celebrate the fiestas and festivals had returned. Subsequently, the government launched the opening of the Kannawidan festival with various of activities to enjoy with.

Indigenous people of Suyo performed a traditional dance called “ Tadek ken Balliwes” during the opening ceremony. It is dance that symbolizes thanksgiving. During the first night of the celebration, the locals were gathered at the plaza Salcedo to watch dancing fountain , thereafter, drone lights flew up to the sky that created different formations in connection with the COVID-19 that shut down the whole province for almost 2 years, however, Ilocosurians are strong spirited and did not allow the virus to take them down . Mesmerizing fireworks awestruck the locals as it lightened up the sky. The locals where excited and happy to watch the display. The excitement of the local mounts as Comedy night was held after the firework display.

Filipinos are known for its love for pageantry. The most awaited and biggest pageantry in the province, “Saniata ti Ilocos Sur” was then held at the Quirino Stadium on the second night of celebration. The miss universe 2020 Rabiya Mateo, and miss universe 2021 Beatrice Gomez were part of the committee to judge the pageant. The Saniata representative of Vigan City was then announced as the Saniata ti Ilocos Sur.

The third night was for the LGBTQ+ community where Your Face Sounds Familiar and Lip sync battle were the main events. There was then a show where dog lovers showed their American bullies at a dog show. On February 5 was the moment for motorcycle enthusiasts to shine, motor show was then held.

Every municipality/city in Ilocos Sur were able to do the tradition were their own products was displayed to sell. It was held at the Tamag grounds. To all who wanted to enter the grounds were given a health protocol where face masks must be worn.

The festivity that gave the whole province the chance to enjoy after the pandemic was successful. A lot of tourist were able to roam around Vigan and the locals gathered together to catch up with their friends and families. Kannawidan Festival was the key to social gatherings and celebration of how strong the province is.

 

One of the biggest festival in Ilocos Sur is the Kannawidan festival. It is celebrated in the month of February. As the whole country recovers from the tedious effect of COVID-19, the ability to celebrate the fiestas and festivals had returned. Subsequently, the government launched the opening of the Kannawidan festival with various of activities to enjoy with.

Indigenous people of Suyo performed a traditional dance called “ Tadek ken Balliwes” during the opening ceremony. It is dance that symbolizes thanksgiving. During the first night of the celebration, the locals were gathered at the plaza Salcedo to watch dancing fountain , thereafter, drone lights flew up to the sky that created different formations in connection with the COVID-19 that shut down the whole province for almost 2 years, however, Ilocosurians are strong spirited and did not allow the virus to take them down . Mesmerizing fireworks awestruck the locals as it lightened up the sky. The locals where excited and happy to watch the display. The excitement of the local mounts as Comedy night was held after the firework display.

Filipinos are known for its love for pageantry. The most awaited and biggest pageantry in the province, “Saniata ti Ilocos Sur” was then held at the Quirino Stadium on the second night of celebration. The miss universe 2020 Rabiya Mateo, and miss universe 2021 Beatrice Gomez were part of the committee to judge the pageant. The Saniata representative of Vigan City was then announced as the Saniata ti Ilocos Sur.

The third night was for the LGBTQ+ community where Your Face Sounds Familiar and Lip sync battle were the main events. There was then a show where dog lovers showed their American bullies at a dog show. On February 5 was the moment for motorcycle enthusiasts to shine, motor show was then held.

Every municipality/city in Ilocos Sur were able to do the tradition were their own products was displayed to sell. It was held at the Tamag grounds. To all who wanted to enter the grounds were given a health protocol where face masks must be worn.

The festivity that gave the whole province the chance to enjoy after the pandemic was successful. A lot of tourist were able to roam around Vigan and the locals gathered together to catch up with their friends and families. Kannawidan Festival was the key to social gatherings and celebration of how strong the province is.

 

REFERENCE:

Ilocos Sure Celebrates Life with Kannawidan Festival. Manila Times.https://www.manilatimes.net/manilatimes/uploads/images/2022/02/19/49399.jpg retrieved on April 25, 2022

Ilocos Sur Celebrates life with Kannawidan Festival. Manila Times. https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://www.manilatimes.net/manilatimes/uploads/images/2022/02/19/49398.jpg&w=700&q=100&f=webp retrieved on April 25, 2022

Realizations and Reflection of what I was

 

This quarter was not something that I expected. The lessons and topics were definitely unfamiliar and new to me which made me eager to learn more. It was engrossing that I had to commit myself in learning and performing the given tasks. I have learned how to create HTML and how stupendous the technology and webs are.

However, there were times I had to ask for assistance with my fellow students, especially when the instructions were difficult to understand. With that difficulty, it consumes my time too much that I can’t accomplish other tasks in other subjects. Moreover, I had a hard time managing my time. There were days that I was unproductive and tons of unfinished activities will be compiled. I waste too much time doing nothing because I cannot concentrate and even process my mind.

To address those difficulties, I had to push myself to get up and accomplish all the unfinished activities. I had to think about my grades and possible outcome of my laziness and unproductiveness. I also took some time to think and relax. It helped me so much that I managed to do all my activities again.

Moving on, I will continue to pave the way until the end. Knowing that hinders are inevitable, I will continue to strive harder until all my hardships are being paid off.

Vigan Fiesta Amidst Paandemic

 

VIGAN FIESTA AMIDST PANDEMIC

Because of the deadly virus, social gatherings are highly prohibited. It may risk health and lives of many people. However, vaccinations were already took place and the number of covid cases has already decreased. However, it is still advisable to be follow heath protocols because the pandemic is still far from being over. Vigan City’s fiesta is one of the most awaited fiesta in Ilocos Sur. Therefore, the most awaited fiesta will be celebrated in a new normal way.

Street dancing, Kannawidan and other fun activities are often done when the fiesta of Ciudad Fernandina occur. The center of the city will surely be filled with a lot of people roaming around with their families. However, street dancing amidst pandemic is highly impossible to happen. Therefore, the government implemented alternative activities to celebrate the fiesta.

The essence of this celebration is to find happiness in the midst of pandemic. To celebrate how the city is tough despite the pandemic that has been occurring. The unity of the people to maintain the true essence of festivity, the sacrifices of the frontliners and the leadership of the government to help and lead us to avoid the unwanted events is something we should celebrate this fiesta.

New normal celebrations are implemented for us to remember that the pandemic is not yet done but fiestas should not be forgotten.

Reference: Pata,2012. Vigan vies for New 7 Wonders of the World. GMA News Online.http://www8.gmanews.tv/webpics/v3/2012/09/vigancathedral.jpg

Elimination of toxic traits to develop a better version of me

Elimination toxic traits to develop a better version of me

It is normal to have toxic traits, though it is up to us to either keep it or diminish it. The year 2021 challenged me too much that I developed negative traits that I was not aware of. I had to go through self-realization and feel how terrible I am as a person. Therefore, this coming new year, I have decided to transform the toxic traits that was developed this year into building a better and new version of myself.

I had a lot of insecurities in me that made me doubt and even dislike myself. I was not confident enough of what I can do and what I am. I had to compare myself with someone I know who is beyond better than I am. Also, there were times that I was really toxic towards everyone and I had to feel guilty for what I’ve done. Therefore, I came up with a decision to start realizing how bad I am and choose to change. I want to change those in me so that positivity and tranquility will surround me. Moreover, I also need to diminish this hobby of mine which I consume too much time in doing nothing. My time is often wasted and with that, I had to rush things up. There were times I felt unmotivated and insecure.

New Year is coming and with the fireworks blow up in the sky, I want these unpleasant personalities of mine to be with the fireworks and so I could say: “it was a splendid year for me to learn and feel these feelings because I have something to learn and change in me so that I could be a better person next year”. Next year I promise to myself to be better and to keep on doing better. The past is a lesson for me to learn to and can bring with me to face the present and the future.

The Austerity of Christmas Celebration

 

The austerity of Christmas celebration

The Christmas holiday is imminent and the whisper of the winds has come to say that the spirit of Christmas is approaching. The season of convergence and giving is about to happen in no time. Christmas decorations are already visible to every household and public establishments. The season of giving and receiving will soon come on our way

Christmas last year was not celebrated the way we usually do due to the corona virus. However, this year’s Christmas seems to be celebrated with family gatherings. The number of cases had decreased and the Government already allowed people to gather. Though the pandemic is far from over yet, a new variant was identified and known to be its faster infection than the delta variant. Luckily, our country has not yet encountered the new variant. Which it is still possible to gather but it is advisable to be responsible and still be careful because risk is known for its unpredictable occurrence.

This Christmas’ essence of celebrating is to reflect and realize what pandemic had taught to us and what God has always been giving and doing for the people despite the unpleasant circumstances. It is the celebration of Jesus’ birth, he brought a religion that defines true love and introduced a God that forgives and understand its people. Due to the pandemic, deaths, distress and afflict were given to the people which is vexatious in every way. However, with the existence of God in our minds and hearts, tranquility, forgiveness and protection are given to us. He is not disappointing and never will be and that is the essence of celebrating the Christmas, to remember that despite how deleterious the year was, in the end, hope, love and peace will always be attained.

Reference: Carreon,2021. It's Christmas in the Philippines. Licas News Philippines.https://philippines.licas.news/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021.11.04-Eastwood-Christmas-Tree-jvc-8-e1636095720109.jpg

CHILDREN'S MONTH

 

Under the law RA No. 10661, the month of November of every year is declared as the National Children’s month. Deped was instructed to facilitate the celebration of National Children’s Month in all public and private school in the country. Its aim is to infuse its significance in Filipino awareness and also to promote and protect children’s right.

The national government executed a feeding program for those who are malnourished to maintain their weight and improve their overall health.  The program is specialized for those children who are suffering from hunger who belong to a poor family. Because of poverty, a lot of children suffer from malnourishment that could be a factor for various diseases.

Moreover, millions of children are victims of abuse, harassment, exploitation and violence. These often take place in homes, schools and even communities. The right of a child to be protected from danger is being deprived and these kinds of circumstances are often being neglected. The celebration of children’s month is also to aware everyone about these sufferings of the children.

It is a responsibility of an adult to protect and take good care a child. The celebration is a reminder that children should be cherished that’s why creating a better world for the younger generations should be ensured.

REFERENCE: Gazette, 2021. Covid-19 effects highlight National Children's Month Activity.https://files01.pna.gov.ph/category-list/2021/10/25/2480003586932484183201245998778967847193537n.jpg