Love Gets Wild, No Limits

Valentine's Day is not all about chocolates, roses, and fancy dinner dates. At its core, it is a celebration of love in all forms—romantic, platonic, family, and self-love. It is a day that makes us remember to sit back and value those who give life meaning.

We celebrate Valentine's Day because love, whether in whatever shape, is worth celebrating. It has a past history of being associated with love tales and legends, like Saint Valentine defying a Roman emperor to wed couples in secret. It was made a day where individuals openly talk about their love, whether an extravagant gesture or simply an act of benevolence.

I celebrate Valentine's Day by spending quality time with the loved ones I have, whether it's a casual meal, a love letter, or just a little but thoughtful gesture. It's also about self-love—getting something nice or just taking the time to recharge. For me, it's everything about making my loved ones feel loved.

At the end of the day, Valentine's Day is all just a reminder—a little push to say to the people you're with, "Hey, you matter to me." And let's be honest, that's something to be commemorated every single day of the year.

References:

Confidentparentsconfidentkids. (2015, February 12). For Valentine’s Day – unconditional love and attention. Confident Parents Confident Kids. https://confidentparentsconfidentkids.org/2015/02/12/for-valentines-day-unconditional-love-and-attention/

Khan, S. M. (2025). Valentine’s Day. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Valentine%27s_Day/

Fineman, L. (2021, February 14). Seven days of Self-love — LEKA FINEMAN. LEKA FINEMAN. https://www.lekafineman.com/new-blog-1/seven-ways-to-practice-self-love

Blomquist, L. (2023, February 3). 54 Unique Valentine's Day Ideas for Any Relationship Stage. Brides. https://www.brides.com/things-to-do-on-valentines-day-4788071

Lunar Luck: A Fusion of Traditions

 

Chinese culture in the Philippines has been found to be very strong in the country, as Filipinos typically celebrate through eating Chinese Food, seeking the advice of Feng Shui masters for good fortune, and reading their Chinese horoscope. Chinese-Filipinos, though not a majority, have been a vital member of the Philippine society, most prominently their presence in business.

 

Filipino-Chinese communities in the Philippines observe Lunar New Year annually with the expectation
of ushering in prosperity, closer family bond and peace. The majority of Filipino-Chinese families typically clean the house thoroughly, prepare lucky money in red packets, have sweet foods and put various food and fruits on a table, which is said to bring good fortune. People also engage in parades and dragon dances, which are organized in China Towns in various cities in the Philippines.

 

In essence, Chinese New Year celebration in the Philippines is a reflection of the country's adoption and appreciation of cultural diversity. It is a time to reflect, renew, and anticipate a better new year, and therefore a necessary and cherished tradition that brings Filipinos together in the country.

References:

Mysak, S., & Nicdao, J. (2025b, January 10). Chinese New Year 2025 in Philippines. Rove.me. https://rove.me/to/philippines/chinese-new-year

Author, K. (2023, March 24). Chinese New Year food to make at home. Knorr. https://www.knorr.com/ph/tips-and-tricks/chinese-new-year-food-at-home.html

Why Chinese New Year is important for Filipinos. (n.d.). Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/8/why-chinese-new-year-is-important-for-filipinos

Why celebrate Chinese New Year? A look at Philippine, China economic ties. (2014, January 27). Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/business/2014/01/27/1283587/why-celebrate-chinese-new-year-look-philippine-china-economic-ties

Spiharu. (n.d.). 9,800+ Lunar New Year Fireworks stock illustrations, Royalty-Free vector graphics & clip art - iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/illustrations/lunar-new-year-fireworks

Doon Po Sa Amin, May Nakatago sa mga Bahay: Wisdom on Papers - The Masters of War

Exploring Vigan’s Literary and Historical Roots

📍 Vigan Museum - January 5, 2025

Our research journey began at the Vigan Museum, where we delved into the city’s rich literary and
historical heritage. This visit helped us uncover valuable insights about the colonial influences on Ilocano literature and culture.

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Cultural Mapping of Burburtia and Pagsasao

📍 Vigan City Hall

We conducted interviews in various historical households and in the Vigan City Hall, particularly the tourism office, to document the oral traditions of Ilocano riddles (Burburtia) and poetry (Pagsasao). These narratives, passed down through generations, reflect the wit and resilience of the Ilocano people. 

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Remembering General Major Sakae Narioka

📍 Vigan Museum 

We revisited the story of General Major Sakae Narioka, the Japanese officer who spared Vigan from destruction during World War II. His wife, Belen Castillo, and their daughter, Emiko Teresita Narioka, later shared letters that shed light on this historical event. 

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Letters That Saved Vigan

📍 Vigan Museum - Document Archive

The Japanese letters that played a crucial role in saving Vigan from American bombings were officially handed over to the city government. This moment symbolizes the reconciliation and historical understanding between former wartime adversaries. 

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Exploring the Life of Floro Crisologo

📍 Crisologo Museum

We examined the preserved belongings and literary works of Floro Crisologo, a prominent politician and writer. His legacy, tragically cut short, remains influential in Ilocano history. 

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The Award and the Poem

📍 Crisologo Museum - Recognition Display

Alongside Floro Crisologo’s achievements, a poem dedicated to his contributions was displayed. This literary piece highlights his impact on Philippine politics and culture. 

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Newspapers as Witnesses of History

📍 Crisologo Museum - Archives 

We analyzed newspaper coverage of Floro Crisologo’s assassination, demonstrating how journalism preserves historical narratives and influences public memory. 

📍 El Ilocano 

Established by Isabelo de los Reyes in 1889, holds a significant place in Philippine journalism history as one of the first vernacular newspapers in the country. Published in both Spanish and Ilocano, it fostered local pride and cultural identity. 

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Finalizing Our Research

📍 Vigan City - January 5, 2025

Our research journey concluded with the final review of collected data. The experience deepened our appreciation for Ilocano literature and history, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage. 

Cracking the Code of Learning

 This quarter, I learned two major topics, community-based research and coding for a webpage. In community-based research I gained experience and insights into how local issues can be studied and addressed by gathering information directly from the people of the community, the particular topic that we studied was colonial literature in Vigan City, the study aimed to inform and give awareness about the literature of Vigan City and how it affected and shaped the city that we know today. On the other hand, coding for a webpage taught me to be creative to build a functional and visually appealing web pages, and introduced me the technical side of web development.

 

One of the biggest difficulties I encountered was dealing with the errors on our webpage code. Fixing and improving our code required patience and attention to detail. Additionally, conducting interviews for our research was challenging. Some of the respondents are hesitant to share their opinion and information, and scheduling interviews were difficult. To overcome these challenges, I sought help from various sources in the internet and from my friends in troubleshooting my codes. For our research interviews, I learned to be more patient, respectful, and adaptable in conducting our interviews.

 

I will improve my coding skills by practicing and exploring different techniques in web development and be more prepared when engaging with the community. With these experiences, I aim to become more confident and efficient in both technical and research-based tasks in the future.

References: 

Barlow, E. (2023, January 31). What is Coding? StudyStream Blog. https://www.studystream.live/blog/what-is-coding/

Community-Based Participatory research. (n.d.). Center for Social Science Research. https://cssr.gmu.edu/capabilities/community-based-participatory-research

A Journey to Cityhood and Heritage

The transformation of Vigan from municipality to city is a story of preservation and progress. Vigan, being a municipality, was already famous for its cobblestone streets, ancestral houses, and a unique blend of Spanish and Asian influences. Life was simple with agriculture and fishery sustaining the community. Regardless of its small size, the town of Vigan retained its traditions and festivals, like the Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts, celebrated its identity and showcased its historical charm.

 

With the proclamation of cityhood on January 22, 2001, Vigan was opened to new challenges and opportunities. Cityhood helped in improved infrastructures, increased funding, and enhanced public services to improve the level of living of Bigueños. While taking into consideration the problem of balancing modernization and protecting its heritage, local government had transformed Vigan into a top tourist spot. Thus the city became well-known worldwide with recognition in such publications as "one of the New 7 Wonders Cities of the World in 2014" to continue being a cultural gem.

 

Though urbanization came with the problems of increased traffic and commercialization, Vigan's leadership was firm in prioritizing sustainable development. The city welcomed progress without sacrificing its historical character is a testament to its strength. Vigan is now a model for heritage
conservation and development, demonstrating that a community can prosper by respecting its past while creating a sustainable future.







References:

Vigan city PH. (2025). Instagram. https://www.google.com/urlsa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fvigancityph%2Fp%2FDFF_PVCP3HM%2F&psig=AOvVaw3DeCVgcHJr_Dmpy0OZKov&ust=1738638740439000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCLD-xZzEposDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAV

Vigan. (n.d.).Vigan. (n.d.). New 7 Wonder Cities. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcities.new7wonders.com%2Fwonders%2Fvigan-philippines%2F&psig=AOvVaw2BtvS4g_u_cnkl1YFKsxj3&ust=1738639222785000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCLjk8IHGposDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

Vigan City Guide: Where To Stay And How To Get There. (2023). LAIDBACK TRIP. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laidbacktrip.com%2Fposts%2Fvigan-ilocos-sur-hotels-bus&psig=AOvVaw2BtvS4g_u_cnkl1YFKsxj3&ust=1738639222785000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCLjk8IHGposDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ

New Year, Better Me!

The start of a new year is a very potent symbol of renewal. It's a time for reflection on what has happened in the past and looking forward into the future with hope and intention. Many of us embrace the mantra "New Year, New Me" to signal our desire for growth and change. But turning those words into action requires more than just good intentions—it takes clarity, commitment, and consistency.

Set intentional goals. Forget the vague resolutions and instead, set specific, achievable steps aligned with your values. For example, if you want to be healthier, you commit to something clear like "30 minutes of exercise three times a week" or "meal prepping every Sunday." It is through these small, actionable steps that create momentum, and celebrating each step along the way keeps you motivated.

This year, embrace the journey of becoming your best self, one step at a time. Whether you’re looking to improve your habits, nurture relationships, or pursue a long-held dream, the possibilities are endless. As 2025 unfolds, let “New Year, New Me” serve not just as a resolution but as a commitment to growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

References:

Serafim, J. (2022). New Year New Me Better Me Stock Illustration 1878754303 | Shutterstock. Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/new-year-me-better-motivational-inspirational-1878754303

Team, P. E. (2024, September 11). 75 New Year Quotes for Bold New Beginnings in 2025. Pensador. https://www.pensador.com/en/new_year_quotes/

Liles, M. (2020, January 15). Turn Your Bad Day Around! These 100 Stay Positive Quotes Will Lift Your Spirits in No Time. Parade. https://parade.com/980089/marynliles/stay-positive-quotes/

Cherished Memories

     The Christmas holidays are kind of a mix and match of happiness, nostalgia, and bonding this year. The festive season started as soon as the actual decorating of the house happened. From twisting on a twinkling light to putting ornaments up on the Christmas tree, one could feel the warmth of the season with each ornament and garland placed.

     My Christmas holidays began with a daily attendance in the Simbang Gabi and completed the 9 days. Christmas Eve was very special that evening. The family gathered together for dinner after attending the mass. Dishes of meat, fresh salads, and traditional holiday desserts were spread across the table, with laughter and stories flowing freely.

      In the following days, there were times for reflection and unwinding . Cozy afternoons, getting along with friends had filled the rhythm to the season's beat. Except for spending quite a lot of time at home, I met my friends whenever I could spend some time off. On the very last day to New Year eve, December 30, Me and my elementary school friends went out and the warmth of reliving old and making new friends was unforgettable in my life as well.

           

           In such silence, we say goodbye to 2024 with calm resolutions and a renewed spirit. We welcomed the New Year by scrumptious food and traditional practices that brought the family closer. It was family as if bonding through a meal together, lighting up sparklers, and going about customs like jumping for good luck and preparation of the prosperity bowl. The Christmas holidays carried with them much festivity but also reflection and moments of connection-thus, great warmth was the afterglow of these times.

Reference:

https://www.bloger.com/