One Province, One Celebration

    

    Kannawidan Festival is more than just a yearly event, it’s a grand celebration of Ilocos Sur’s rich culture, history, and traditions. Held every first week of February, it marks the province’s founding anniversary and brings people together to honor their roots. From colorful dances to delicious food, Kannawidan is a way for the Ilocano people to share their heritage with the world.  

Kannawidan is a way of remembering where it all began. One of the highlights of Kannawidan is the showcase of traditional crafts. Ilocos Sur is known for its weaving, pottery, and embroidery, which have been passed down through generations. The festival also features exciting competitions like street dancing. These activities keep old traditions alive while making them exciting for younger generations.  

    Food is at the heart of the celebration. No Kannawidan Festival is complete without a feast of Ilocano favorites, Vigan longganisa, empanada, bagnet, and countless other dishes that remind people of home. Farmers bring their best harvests, showing off the fresh produce that has sustained their families for years. It’s a time to be proud of the land, the hard work, and the flavors that make Ilocos Sur unique.  

    But Kannawidan is not just about looking back, it’s also about moving forward. The festival helps boost local businesses by giving them a chance to showcase their products, from handmade crafts to delicious delicacies. It brings the community closer, reminding everyone that their culture is something to be proud of and preserved for future generations.  

    More than anything, Kannawidan is about belonging. Whether you were born in Ilocos or just visiting, the festival welcomes you like family. It’s a reminder that culture is not just something to be remembered, it’s something to be lived, shared, and celebrated, year after year

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved February 17, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

Festivalscape. (n.d.). Kannawidan Ylocos Festival. Festivalscape. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.festivalscape.com/philippines/ilocos-sur/kannawidan-ylocos/

Ilocos Sur Provincial Government. (2023, March). Kannawidan Festival event image. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://mis.ilocossur.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/330143978_495049709493798_6572739701374294557_n.jpg

Around Ilocandia Channel. (2011, February 9). [Image of Kannawidan Ylocos Festival]. WordPress.com. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://aichannel.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/kannawidan-ylocos-festival-uppat-a-tawenen-a-mangitantandudo-kadagiti-kultura-ken-tradision-ti-ilocos-sur/

If Hearts Could Speak

    

    Valentine's Day is more than just a day of chocolates, flowers, and love letters. It is a celebration of affection and appreciation for the people who mean the most to us. Every February 14, people around the world express love in different ways, whether through grand gestures or simple words of kindness. But why do we celebrate it, and how do we truly show our affection?

    

    The history of Valentine’s Day dates back to ancient Rome. It is believed that a priest named Valentine disobeyed an order that banned soldiers from getting married. Believing in love, he secretly performed wedding ceremonies and was eventually punished with death. Over time, his story became a symbol of love, sacrifice, and devotion. February 14 was set aside to honor him. Though the holiday has changed over the years, its meaning remains the same. It is a day to celebrate love in all its forms.

    Love is not just about romance. Valentine’s Day is also a reminder to appreciate friends, family, and even ourselves. It is easy to think that the day is only meant for couples, but love exists in many relationships. A thoughtful message to a friend, a sincere thank you to parents, or a simple act of kindness toward someone in need can all reflect the true meaning of Valentine’s Day. 

    There are many ways to express affection. It does not always have to be through gifts or expensive surprises. Sometimes, the best way to show love is through small gestures. A warm hug, a handwritten note, or simply spending quality time with someone can mean more than any material gift. Words of appreciation, acts of service, or being there when someone needs support can be just as meaningful.

    At its heart, Valentine’s Day is a reminder to value and cherish the people around us. Love is not measured by how much we spend but by how much we care. Whether through a small gesture or a big celebration, what truly matters is making others feel valued and loved.

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved February 15, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

History.com Editors. (2023, January 10). History of Valentine’s Day. History. https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2

Getty Images. (n.d.). Saint Valentine illustration [Photograph]. History. https://assets.editorial.aetnd.com/uploads/2009/12/st-valentine_getty-695888681.jpg

Pinterest. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://pin.it/4vjH9yl6Y

Pinterest. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://pin.it/7Gd0RDzo4

Pinterest. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://pin.it/5ox7PowNP

CBR CHRONICLES (THEMATIC)

    This photoblog showcases our journey in conducting our Community-Based Research, highlighting the process and teamwork involved.

Brainstorming Ideas

    Every great project starts with an idea. Here, we’re in the computer lab, brainstorming concepts and identifying the best approach. Each member shared their ideas, and we thoughtfully assessed which would have the greatest impact on our community.

Finalizing our CBR Paper

    This image showcases our team reviewing and finalizing the research paper in Google Meet. It was a moment of reflection and editing, ensuring that every detail was correct before submission. Patience and dedication were essential in this stage, and together we created a paper we were proud of.

Glimpse of Nature

    These are the pictures we took at Caniaw Heritage and Forest Park, showing its beautiful scenery, greenery, and peaceful surroundings.

Interview Process

    Here’s a picture of Jhenice interviewing Mr. Macario “Jang” Neri, one of the key staff members from the project. Her dedication to gathering first-hand insights was important to understanding the project’s impact, and it was an inspiring moment of focus and commitment.

Creating our Webpage

    If there was a point where we almost lost our minds, it was here. Designing a webpage for our research wasn’t as simple as dragging and dropping elements. Between coding errors, layout adjustments, and ensuring everything looked right, we learned the hard way that patience is key.

(All photos are taken by the Group of Bantay 1)

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved February 3, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

Growth Through Errors (REFLECTION)

This quarter, we worked on a community-based research project focusing on different communities and categories and built a webpage to share our findings. I learned a lot about teamwork and how important it is to be flexible.

    However, the journey wasn’t easy. Building the webpage was tough. Since we only had Notepad and Chrome as a browser, we had to refresh the page multiple times to view the changes as we worked. We kept running into errors, and there were times when we had to start over. Adjusting the page's design to our liking especially using CSS with limited knowledge was hard. The biggest problem was time, balancing the project with other schoolwork meant late nights working at home. It was stressful at times, but I pushed through.

    To deal with these challenges, I used online tutorials like W3Schools and practiced coding until I figured things out. I made mistakes along the way, but each mistake taught me something new. With every problem, I got a little better and more confident.

    Moving forward, I will keep taking on challenges with the same determination. This quarter taught me that pushing through difficulties helps me grow. I’ll use what I’ve learned to do better next time and keep improving.

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved February 3, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

Lanterns, Luck, and Love: Filipino Traditions for Chinese New Year

    

      Chinese New Year has become a big deal in the Philippines, and it’s not just something for Filipino-Chinese families anymore. Over the years, it’s become a holiday that brings everyone together. Sure, it started with Chinese traditions, but Filipinos have embraced it as their own. It’s a time to celebrate new beginnings, family, and of course, good luck. 

        The event has a long history in the Filipino-Chinese community, which has played an important part in Philippine society for many years. Chinese New Year is a time for Filipino-Chinese families to strengthen their bonds, take measure of the previous year, and anticipate new possibilities. The holiday has gained acceptance from non-Chinese Filipinos as well, making it a really inclusive event. In the Philippines, hoping for luck and prosperity is a major aspect of Chinese New Year. To draw luck, Filipinos frequently dress in red and adorn their homes with lucky decorations like oranges and lanterns. Food also plays a major role in the celebration, with families sharing dishes that symbolize wealth and unity. One of the most beloved traditions is giving "ang pao," red envelopes filled with money, to wish others a successful year ahead.

    But beyond the traditions and festivities, Chinese New Year is really about togetherness. It’s a time for Filipinos to reconnect with family and friends, show gratitude for the past year, and embrace the fresh start that a new year offers. It’s a celebration of unity, love, and hope for the future. In the end, Chinese New Year has become more than just a Chinese holiday for Filipinos. It’s a time to honor tradition, celebrate family, and look forward to a prosperous year ahead. Whether through food, family gatherings, or simply reflecting on the year past, the holiday brings Filipinos together in a shared celebration of life and new beginnings.

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved February 3, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

Rove.me. (2025, January 29). Chinese New Year in the Philippines [Photograph]. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://rove.me/to/philippines/chinese-new-year

New York Daily News. (2025, January 29). Lunar New Year 2025 celebrations worldwide [Photograph]. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/01/29/lunar-new-year-2025-celebrations-worldwide-photos/

Squarespace. (n.d.). Chinese New Year Celebration [Photograph]. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64905b55d2da1763d70b05d0/e9a19ae2-adae-4af0-a820-963204724070/30.png?format=1500w

Island Pacific Market. (2023, January). Feast for Chinese New Year [Photograph]. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://islandpacificmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Feast.jpg

Asia Society. (n.d.). Chinese New Year celebrated in the Philippines. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://asiasociety.org/philippines/chinese-new-year-celebrated-philippines

Manila Bulletin. (2024, February 9). Why Chinese New Year is important for Filipinos. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/8/why-chinese-new-year-is-important-for-filipinos

Time and Date. (n.d.). Lunar New Year in the Philippines. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/philippines/lunar-new-year-day#:~:text=Filipino%2DChinese%20communities%20in%20the,closer%20family%20ties%20and%20peace

Through the Years: From Municipality to City

    

        Vigan, a city with deep historical roots, has come a long way from being a simple municipality in Ilocos Sur to a city. Its journey is a story of how a place can retain its cultural heritage while adapting to the needs of modern society. Vigan's history, from its Spanish colonial roots to its current recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has played an important role in shaping its development. Over the years, Vigan has managed to stay true to its heritage while adapting to the modern world, becoming a place where history and progress coexist.

        A big part of Vigan’s success as a city has been its effort to preserve its unique architecture. The city is famous for its Spanish-era buildings, especially along Calle Crisologo, where visitors can experience a step back in time. The unique blend of Spanish and Filipino architectural styles makes Vigan stand out as a symbol of the country’s colonial past. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan has worked hard to maintain these structures, ensuring that the city’s beauty and historical value remain intact. 

        Vigan’s transition to cityhood wasn’t just about growth, but about finding a way to preserve its cultural identity while progressing. The shift to city status has allowed Vigan to attract more tourists and create new opportunities for its residents, all while staying true to its heritage. The city has succeeded in preserving the historical character that draws people in, while also advancing its economy and infrastructure. Vigan’s journey shows how a city can honor its past while moving forward, ensuring that the future remains connected to the roots that shaped it. 

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://www.blogger.com/

World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Vigan City, Philippines. UNESCO. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/502/

Guide to the Philippines. (n.d.). Vigan Heritage Village. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://guidetothephilippines.ph/destinations-and-attractions/vigan-heritage-village

DepEd Vigan City. (n.d.). History of Vigan City. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://depedvigancity.com/index.php/our-history/

New7Wonders. (2016, July). Vigan. New7Wonders. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://www.new7wonders.com/app/uploads/sites/5/2016/07/n7wc_vigan_-181-1920x1280.jpg

Guide to the Philippines. (n.d.). Calle Crisologo. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://gttp.images.tshiftcdn.com/198603/x/0/calle-crisologo-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&ch=Width%2CDPR&dpr=1&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=883

Wikimedia Commons. (n.d.). Calle Crisologo, Vigan, Philippines - One of the New 7 Wonder Cities of The World. Wikimedia Foundation. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Calle_Crisologo%2C_Vigan%2C_Philippines_-_One_of_The_New_7_Wonder_Cities_of_The_World.jpg/800px-Calle_Crisologo%2C_Vigan%2C_Philippines_-_One_of_The_New_7_Wonder_Cities_of_The_World.jpg

Once, Still, Yet

    A new year brings with it the chance to leave behind the things that no longer serve you. It's like a reset button. Are you ready to hit it?

    As I look back on the year that has passed, I can’t ignore how challenging it was. It wasn’t easy—I was my own worst enemy, trapped by the voices in my head that told me I wasn’t good enough and I let those whispers consume me. Every small mistake felt like a heavy burden, and every day felt like a battle. But despite all of that, I made it out.

    This year, I choose to be better—not better than anyone else, but better than the version of myself I was before. I want to silence the doubts in my mind and believe in myself more. I want to face life’s challenges with courage, not fear, and remind myself that I am capable of more than I think.

    To do this, I’m starting with practical changes. Balance will be my starting point—between academics and self improvement, between productivity and rest. Last year, I often neglected my own needs, and I’ve realized the heavy cost it had on me. This year, I’ll prioritize my mental and physical well-being. I’ll focus on healthier habits, like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, eating better, and allowing myself to pause and recharge. Instead of dwelling on small problems, I’ll find better ways to resolve them and move forward. This isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter, knowing when to push myself and when to give myself permission to rest.

    Above all, I will be gentle with myself. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and I need to embrace the imperfections that make me human. I’ll be kind to myself, allowing room for mistakes and celebrating even the smallest victories.

    New Year, New Me isn’t just a resolution—it’s a promise to myself to live with sincerity, grow continually, and embrace the beauty of starting fresh. This year, I am choosing to rewrite my story—not as someone defined by self-doubt, but as someone who finds strength in the simple act of moving forward. This year is a canvas, and each decision adds a stroke to the masterpiece we call life. So, let’s make it bold, beautiful, and uniquely ours, because every day is a chance to start anew.

References:

https://www.blogger.com/