Jerome

The Kannawidan Festival of Ilocos Sur is a vibrant and deeply significant celebration that highlights the province's rich cultural heritage. Held annually in Vigan City , the festival typically takes place in late January to early February, coinciding with the feast of St. William the Hermit , the patron saint of the city. The name "Kannawidan," derived from the Ilocano language, translates to "heritage" or "tradition," emphasizing the festival's focus on honoring the customs and practices that have shaped the identity of the people of Ilocos Sur. One of the primary objectives of the Kannawidan Festival is to celebrate the cultural traditions of the Ilocos region. The festival serves as a platform to showcase the diverse arts, music, dances, and customs that have been passed down through generations. Traditional performances such as the tinikling (a Filipino folk dance), the sarsuela (a form of musical theater), and various folk songs are promi...

Have you ever wondered why we set aside a  day to celebrate love? What is it about Valentine’s Day that makes people go all out with flowers, chocolates, and sweet gestures?            Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, might seem like just another commercial holiday, but it has deep historical roots that go back centuries. Originally, it was linked to St. Valentine, a Christian martyr who was said to have performed weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry. Over time, it evolved from a religious observance into a celebration of love and affection. The modern take on the holiday focuses not only on romantic love but also on expressing appreciation for friends, family, and even pets. Essentially, it’s a day to take a step back and celebrate the connections we hold dear.      The reason we celebrate Valentine’s Day today, beyond the commercial frenzy, is simple: we live in a world where expressing emotions and affection often t...

Embarking on a Community-Based Research (CBR) project with my groupmates was an eye-opening experience, one that allowed us to connect with our community, explore real-world issues, and collaborate closely as a team. This photoblog is a collection of moments we captured during our journey, along with reflections on the process. Here’s a peek into our CBR adventure.  A group of students gathered around a table, brainstorming and discussing the project. The journey began with our first team meeting. We sat down with notebooks, pens, and laptops, excited but a bit anxious. Our task was to define the focus of our research and identify the key community issues we wanted to address. The energy in the room was contagious, and we began bouncing ideas off each other, trying to find the perfect project that would make a difference.  A group of groupmates standing by a wall, writing out questions for a community survey. After deciding on our topic, it was time to prepare the communit...

 As I look back on the third quarter, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge that I am eager to build upon in the coming months. One of the most significant takeaways has been my understanding of HTML frames. I initially found frames to be an intriguing concept, as they allow a webpage to be divided into distinct, scrollable sections. Although they are not as commonly used today due to more modern layout techniques, learning how frames work has given me a deeper appreciation for the evolution of web design. It was eye-opening to see how webpages were once structured using frames and how newer methods like CSS Grid and Flexbox are more widely adopted now for their flexibility and responsiveness. Another essential area of learning this quarter was HTML lists. I learned the importance of using lists to organize content in a way that makes it more digestible and easier to navigate. Working with ordered and unordered lists, as well as definition lists, helped me develop an understanding of ...

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the Philippines, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. It’s a colorful and joyful occasion filled with symbolism, traditions, and festivities that bring families and communities together. But why do Filipinos, many of whom are not of Chinese descent, observe and celebrate this important event? The answer lies in the rich history and deep-rooted cultural ties between the Philippines and the Chinese community. Over the centuries, Chinese immigrants and their descendants have played a significant role in shaping Filipino society, and as a result, their traditions have been integrated into Filipino culture. Chinese New Year is a prime example of this cultural fusion. Filipino-Chinese relations go back to the early days of trade between the islands and China. During the 9th century, Chinese merchants and traders started visiting the Philippines, establishing a presence that would l...

     Vigan, the historical capital of Ilocos Sur, holds a unique and nostalgic place in the hearts of those who grew up there. For those of us lucky enough to experience Vigan in its more tranquil, provincial days, the evolution of this charming town into a bustling city is a fascinating journey of change, growth, and preservation.      In the not-so-distant past, Vigan was a small, peaceful municipality. The streets were narrow, and the cobblestone roads, which are still present today, had a sense of timelessness to them. Life moved at a slower pace, and much of the town’s charm lay in its simplicity. The sound of horse-drawn carriages – locally known as kalesa – was a familiar melody, echoing through the streets as residents went about their daily lives.      The people of Vigan were close-knit, a community that shared rich traditions and customs passed down through generations. There were no modern malls or shopping centers to frequent. ...