VIVA SAN PABLO, VIVA VIGAN

The Vigan City Fiesta was held on January 25, 2026, to celebrate the conversion of St. Paul.

I am so glad to have attended the parade in the morning to behold the lively and joyous soul of the city. Multiple organizations and schools marched, bags of candies were given away to citizens, and loud, almost deafening music blasted through the busy road. It was truly a bizarre experience.

But before that, let's catch a glimpse of some events that occurred during the previous days.

On the 22nd of January, a competition featuring two skillful groups started at Plaza Burgos.

The next day was a clash of various impressive talents. I wish I could have gotten more clicks, but it was the evening of an exam day, so I could not stay.

After a whole day, the parade was set on a Sunday, and people gathered beside the route.

May this city and tradition live on.

 

Nearing the Finale

my shot of ISNHS

We are nearing the end of the third quarter of this school year. With only one more to go, we’ll soon be climbing the stage for graduation. Looking back, it has been quite an experience. I have made several discoveries through lessons both inside and outside the classroom. Who knew that managing ten subjects could be both so stressful and so rewarding? 

I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly be useful in the years to come. Speaking of the future, I received guidance in choosing my courses and career path this quarter. It has been extremely helpful and feels like a massive weight off my shoulders. Additionally, I participated in several extracurricular activities where I learned how to lead, manage, and work both efficiently and effectively.

However, life is rarely a smooth ride; I faced a multitude of challenges during this quarter. Most significantly, I had to learn how to balance my time and effort between academics and leadership roles. Managing these as a student is no easy feat. I had to figure out how to accomplish the tasks I was given without burning out.


Through research and practice, I learned how to prioritize tasks based on whether they are important, urgent, or unnecessary. I also learned how to break large projects into smaller subtasks, which has made all the difference. Mastering these techniques helped me stay productive. Furthermore, I discovered a "trick" for whenever I feel unmotivated: I ask myself, "Does this take less than two minutes?" and then I simply dive in. By doing this, I clear the clutter in my mind and finish tasks much faster.


Moving forward, I am committed to improving my habits and continuing to pursue my hobbies. I will keep learning how to work more effectively and continue to overcome procrastination. I hope these efforts help me achieve even greater things in the future.


Reference:

Allen, D. (2002). Getting things done: The art of Stress-Free Productivity. Penguin.

'Tis the Season

For most people, Christmas is all about parties, food, games, and spending time with friends and family. This makes sense because the holidays are a great time to take a break from our stressful schedules. However, we shouldn't forget the real reason we celebrate.

One of the most important parts for me is attending the Simbang Gabi. Attending Mass for nine days helps me prepare for Christmas Day. It’s a chance to learn important lessons and, most importantly, to remember what the holiday is truly about: the birth of Jesus Christ. To me, celebrating Christmas means trying to live by His teachings every day.

Besides the religious side, Christmas is also a time to be kind to others. A great example is caroling. I’m usually a pretty quiet person and don’t socialize much, but when my friend and I tried caroling, I realized how much fun it actually is. We even collected a good amount of money. It taught me that stepping out of your comfort zone can be a great experience.

When December 25th finally arrives, families get together for big meals and games. It’s a happy, festive day where everyone gathers. Gift-giving is also a huge part of the tradition. People often say it’s the "season of giving," and I believe that sharing with others is what makes the holiday feel complete.

Ultimately, the true essence of Christmas is appreciating God’s love and the birth of Jesus. When you focus on that and try to be a better person, the holiday becomes much more than just a party—it becomes a full and happy experience.

Reference:

Pinterest. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://ph.pinterest.com/pin/23925441766217215/
Pinterest. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://ph.pinterest.com/pin/434527064068592241/

Pinterest. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://ph.pinterest.com/pin/2322237301893583/

The Sixth Great Man of the Philippines

President Elpidio Quirino, born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on November 16, 1890, was a classic self-made man. He financed his early education by working as a barrio teacher and clerk before earning his law degree in 1915. His talent caught the attention of Manuel L. Quezon, who hired him as his private secretary, launching a career that saw Quirino serve as a Congressman and Senator. His political acumen was instrumental in the Philippine independence movement, notably through his involvement in the mission that secured the Tydings-McDuffie Act in 1934.

e    l    p    i    d    i    o

Quirino's path was marked by the trauma of World War II. After holding key Cabinet posts, he joined the anti-Japanese resistance, leading to the tragic massacre of his wife and three children in 1945. Following liberation, he became the first Vice President of the newly formed Third Republic under Manuel Roxas. Quirino suddenly assumed the presidency in April 1948 upon Roxas's death.

As the sixth President (1948–1953), Quirino’s primary achievement was leading the nation's post-war reconstruction. His administration prioritized industrialization, establishing the Central Bank of the Philippines and initiating major infrastructure projects. He successfully negotiated for war reparations from Japan, securing vital funds for recovery. However, his term was severely challenged by the escalating Hukbalahap rebellion and pervasive corruption allegations, which marred his administration and led to his political defeat.

Quirino’s legacy is that of a resilient statesman who championed economic stability and guided the Philippines through its difficult transition into a sovereign, modern state. Despite the controversies, his fundamental contributions to economic governance and securing the young Republic’s place on the world stage remain key to understanding post-war Philippine history.

Reference:

Commemoration of the 125th Birth Anniversary - The Life And Times Of President Elpidio R. Quirino. (2025). Dfa.gov.ph. https://romepe.dfa.gov.ph/about-the-philippines/people/80-overseas-voting-advisories/456-commemoration-of-the-125th-birth-anniversary
Elpidio Quirino - Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). Google Arts & Culture. https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/elpidio-quirino/m02bmxs
A Tale of Two Presidents: Normalization of relations with Japan. (n.d.). Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036022?hl=en-GB
www.blogger.com

The Future

The youth are the future's hope, as Jose Rizal once stated. I particularly agree, as we have the opportunity to improve the world. Specifically, children can create better opportunities using their knowledge, time, and experience. With this knowledge, the government plays a significant role in our safety and well-being.

  

I want to share my thoughts on how children should be treated by the government. First, and most importantly, laws should be passed regarding proper care and protection. These laws ensure safety and serve as a barrier to prevent unwanted actions and harm that may, and will, ruin children's lives. Having assurance that there is safety and protection, children's physical, mental, social, and emotional health is sure to improve.

Fortunately, the Philippine government views the child as a priority sector with a non-negotiable right to special care and development. This constitutional principle is operationalized through critical laws that serve as a protective "barrier." The State's commitment extends further through the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (R.A. 9344), which shifts focus from punitive action to restorative justice, reinforcing the government’s role as a guardian of development rather than just an enforcer of punishment.

For children to truly become the "hope of the future," the government's duty extends beyond legal protection to holistic investment. This requires a coordinated approach that fully funds and implements programs across health, education, and social services. This commitment entails ensuring accessible mental health support, providing quality and inclusive education that equips children with the knowledge and critical thinking skills they need, and establishing safe spaces both physically and digitally.

 

Ultimately, the desired treatment for the youth depends on the government's smart investment. By imposing protective laws and funding developmental programs, the government can help children fulfill their role as "hope" of the future.

Reference:

Child protection. (n.d.). UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/child-protection

R.A. 9344. (n.d.). https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2006/ra_9344_2006.html

Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2022-2027). (2025, February 4). Children’s Rights. https://www.coe.int/en/web/children/strategy-for-the-rights-of-the-child

What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child? (n.d.). UNICEF Thailand. https://www.unicef.org/thailand/what-is-crc

www.blogger.com