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/

Joys Beyond Gifts

    This Christmas felt different but in the best way possible. Instead of our usual routine of visiting relatives, it was them who came to us, filling our home with laughter, warmth, and a sense of togetherness we hadn’t felt in a while. It wasn’t just another holiday gathering; it felt like a reunion—a time for all of us to reconnect and celebrate not only the season but the birth of Jesus Christ, the true reason for the season. The joy of being together, even if incomplete, made the season feel whole, reminding us that Christmas is not about where you are but who you’re with.

    

    The days were packed with fun and energy, with everyone coming together to play games that brought out the best in all of us. Whether it was a board game, a friendly competition, or just sharing stories, the time spent together was a true gift. Each game was a mix of laughter and good-natured teasing, creating moments that bonded us even closer. Our dining table became a symbol of tradition, packed with delicious food prepared with love and care.

    What made this holiday even more memorable was a spontaneous trip to Ilocos Norte. It wasn’t planned, and that was the beauty of it. The spontaneity of the trip brought a refreshing sense of joy and reminded me that some of the best moments in life come when you least expect them. Back home, my cousins kept me away from screens, replacing digital interactions with real-life fun and heartfelt conversations. While we weren’t complete as a family, the time we spent together was enough to remind us of how blessed we are. This Christmas was simple yet unforgettable—a reminder that the best gifts in life aren’t wrapped in ribbons but found in shared experiences, love, and faith.

References:

https://www.blogger.com/