A Mother, My Hero

  Mother's Day is observed every year on the second Sunday in May to honor and thank moms all across the world. Mother's Day in 2022 will be on Sunday, May 8th. We celebrate Mother's Day to show our appreciation for our mothers. It's Mother's Day when we express our love and gratitude to our mothers and motherly figures. Mother's Day is an annual event that takes place on the second Sunday in May. Mother's Day honors moms, motherhood, and maternal relationships in general, as well as their valuable contributions to society. 

 

Every child born in this world commemorates Mother's Day to demonstrate their affection for their mother. Every year on the second Sunday of May, it is celebrated as one of the most important events of the year. On Mother's Day, it has become a new practice in schools for children to rejoice in front of their mothers. Children make their mothers feel special by giving them Mother's Day cards and other gifts. Some families also organize dinners and outings to honor Mother's Day. A mother is essential! She is capable of handling all of the relationships and providing a taste of the love received from various family members. She is one of the best friends with whom you can share your life without fear of being criticized or being found doing something wrong. It is a mother's unselfish love for her children that makes you and your mother an inseparable unit. She laughs when her children laugh, she smiles when they smile, and she cries when they cry. A mother is simply someone who will never leave their children alone, regardless of the circumstances. She loves her children unconditionally and does not expect anything in return. 

A mother takes care of all the tasks of her household and all the family members without being concerned about her own health and comfort. A mother's strength comes from God's grace, which allows her to work for lengthy periods of time without becoming exhausted. When she sees her children in pain, she completely forgets about her own suffering. She is such a content creature that she takes on a great deal of responsibility without being compensated for it. Though her contribution is so much greater than ours that we cannot compensate for it, we can at least express our thanks by wishing our lovely mother on Mother's Day. 

References: 

https://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/mothers-day-essay.html

https://www.unicef.org/health/maternal-newborn-and-child-survival

holding_hands_happy_mothers_day_cards

https://www.indiaparenting.com/child-development/262_6626/10-important-roles-of-a-mother-in-child-development.html

Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival

     The Philippines is known to have a wide range variety of festivals often called as a "Fiesta," is an important component of Filipino culture. A fiesta is held in each city or province. Because Mexico is such a religiously based country, fiestas are frequently held to honor the patron saint of a city or province, or to commemorate the harvest. Events are one of the reasons why local tourism is expanding; visitors who have attended these festivals keep returning for more. Millions of people go to popular festivals, which have become a major source of revenue in some places.

         Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts is celebrated yearly from the last week of April to the first week of May. Binatbatan dancing is linked to the abel Iloco craft of Vigan. The dance represents the process of beating cotton pods with bamboo sticks to remove the cotton fluff known as batbat from its seed. The festival began in 2002 to highlight this ancient weaving technique that predates the arrival of the Spaniards. The Biguenos or locals have been particularly active in commemorating festivals in recent years because there are numerous events to enjoy.

        However, as the COVID-19 virus spreads, it has restricted people's movement in all countries. Fortunately, the world is gradually healing, and many, if not all, people have already adjusted to the new normal. Still, some people continue to expect and hope that things will return to normal. References: 

https://tinyurl.com/23n79fcb 

https://tinyurl.com/2p87acyj

https://tinyurl.com/mrxs8c8u

https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Viva-Vigan-Binatbatan-Festival-of-the-Arts-2012

https://myteachersquest2.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/download-11.jpg

Women in Time of Crisis

    As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third year, the world continues to face unprecedented challenges and deep uncertainty. While we've all been dealing with unpredictability, the most vulnerable, particularly women, have been hit the hardest. With an estimated 97 million more people living in extreme poverty, the pandemic reversed decades of progress in international development. Women, in particular, have borne a disproportionate burden as a result of lockdowns, facing the loss of personal and household income, increased unpaid care work, and decreased mobility. 

    Given its long history, International Women's Day is a fitting way to commemorate women's long-standing struggle for equality. It is also a call for institutions and other stakeholders to recognize their sacrifices and create a safer environment for the next generation of women. The 2022 National Women's Month is more than just a celebration; it is a way to honor the women of the past who paved the way for the present. But, more importantly, it is an opportunity to recognize today's working women and the legacy they will leave for future generations.

   Despite these challenges, women living in extreme poverty who participate in social and economic inclusion programs have faced the health and economic crisis with resilience and hope. They've successfully pivoted, diversified, and strengthened their micro-enterprises, armed with skills and knowledge and fueled by their creativity. They've been supporting one another in savings groups through COVID-19 and other shocks. And they've kept saving for the future — for themselves, their families, and their communities.

          On International Women's Day, participants advocated for the pandemic to be used to address long-standing inequalities in our society's health-care systems that disproportionately affect women, such as cancer prevention and care, as well as the reproductive rights of cancer patients. There is a need for increased diversity and participation of women in the public and private sectors, as well as a focus on new social and community-based enterprises with equal opportunity goals.

Women are disproportionately affected in all crises, including COVID-19, despite the fact that they are the backbone of society and should be protected and empowered.

References: 

https://gdc.unicef.org/resource/building-womens-resilience-face-covid-19 

https://www.camella.com.ph/national-womens-month-2022/

https://en.unesco.org/news/covid-19-women-era-pandemic

https://www.embl.org/news/events/indirect-impacts-of-a-pandemic-on-women-in-science/

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02006-z

https://reliefweb.int/report/world/africa-track-control-covid-19-pandemic-2022

Vaccination of Teens and Children in the Philippines

        The National Government commenced its pilot implementation of COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 years old through the “Resbakuna Kids” campaign. The ceremony was attended by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and National Task Force (NTF) Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. at Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC) and National Children's Hospital (NCH), respectively.To maximize accessibility to the general public, the government stated that the rollout of "Resbakuna Kids" will take a phased approach, utilizing both hospital-based and local government unit (LGU)-based vaccination sites. There are currently 38 vaccination sites around the National Capital Region (NCR), with five in Region III, three in Region IV-A, and one in BARMM with Region XII. The government added that more vaccination sites will be available in the coming days as the rollout progresses.

          The ceremony was attended by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and National Task Force (NTF) Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. at Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC) and National Children's Hospital (NCH), respectively.

 

       To maximize accessibility to the general public, the government stated that the rollout of "Resbakuna Kids" will take a phased approach, utilizing both hospital-based and local government unit (LGU)-based vaccination sites. There are currently 38 vaccination sites around the National Capital Region (NCR), with five in Region III, three in Region IV-A, and one in BARMM with Region XII. The government added that more vaccination sites will be available in the coming days as the rollout progresses. 

              As the Philippines entered its third year of fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the government began vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 against the deadly virus in February 2022, and 12-17 years old in October 2021.

        According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the Pfizer vaccine was found to be safe and effective, preventing 90.9 percent of symptomatic COVID-19. They stated that "no serious adverse events or deaths were discovered as a result of the vaccination." The vaccination of children is welcome news because the Department of Education (DepEd) intends to transition to limited face-to-face classes by the school year 2022-2023. Since the pandemic began in 2020, the country has used a distance learning system.

Ref: https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-begins-covid-19-vaccination-children-5-to-11-february-7-2022/

https://doh.gov.ph/press-release/DOH-NVOC-NTF-LAUNCH-RESBAKUNA-KIDS-CAMPAIGN-FOR-5-TO-11-YEAR-OLDS

https://www.davaocity.gov.ph/covid-19/630-dabawenyo-kids-inoculated-after-2-days-of-5-11-y-o-vaccination-no-major-adverse-event-recorded/  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1168017 

https://files01.pna.gov.ph/ograph/2022/02/09/bulacan-resbakuna-kids-.jpg

Next quarter pls!!

     Each day feels so different to me, sometimes I understand myself, and most of the time I dont. As I lie on my bed every midnight I get these realizations about the things I could have done differently within the day, I'd be overthinking so much to the point where I can't sleep and I slowly see the sunrise thru my window. 

     The whole 3rd quarter for me was so overwhelming, I felt so much so much emotions and made so many decisions that I wouldn't think that it would make much of a difference in my life. I was at my lowest these past few months, with no one to reach out and open up to but I'm glad that it somehow got a little better. Got into things that I'm not supposed to and met people who I wouldn't think will make me feel these emotions, good and bad. Discovered new hobbies that would make me distracted and take out the stress that I feel. 

     I think I changed, not sure if for the better or worse I just know I changed. I hope this upcoming quarter and months get better for me and for you who are reading this and I just wanna say that you should try to stay strong for yourself and find a healthy coping mechanism. 

The Fall of Bataan

          The "Araw ng Kagitingan," also known as the "Day of Valor," is a public event held in the Philippines on April 9th each year to commemorate the significance of Filipino warriors during World War II. This unusual day honors the deaths of a thousand Filipinos. It, too, recalls the valor of those who fought for the country.

        When the Japanese resumed their offensive on 3 April 1942, backed by heavy artillery, tanks, and air attack, the American survivors on the Bataan Peninsula were so weakened by disease and starvation that they were unable to offer any effective resistance. MacArthur ordered a general counterattack against the Japanese from the comfort and safety of his new headquarters in Australia, with no regard for the severely weakened physical condition of his abandoned troops or their critical lack of military supplies. Major General Edward King, the commanding officer on Luzon, ignored this ridiculous order. On April 9, 1942, he surrendered his troops, relying on the mercy of the Japanese. Before the surrender, he moved his female army nurses to Corregidor in the hope that they would be evacuated from the Philippines.

       The Japanese did not follow European custom, which honors troops who surrender after a valiant defense and treats female captives with dignity and compassion. Infuriated by the long American resistance on Bataan, as well as their own heavy losses, the Japanese turned their rage on their sick and exhausted prisoners of war, subjecting them to the atrocities of the Bataan Death March and the harsh conditions of Japanese "hell camps."

      President Roosevelt, well aware of the futility of the American position in the Philippines, delegated authority to the senior commander, Lieutenant General Wainwright, to continue the battle against the Japanese or negotiate terms of surrender as he saw fit. General Wainwright, at his headquarters on the fortified island of Corregidor, decided to follow MacArthur's order from Australia and fight the hopeless battle to the end. Wainwright was urged by his senior staff officers to follow MacArthur's example and flee the Philippines by fast patrol boat at night, but he responded calmly: "I have been with my men from the start, and if captured, I will share their lot."

     Nevertheless, the bravery of the soldiers will never be forgotten and will be remembered today and more years to come. 

Reference: https://www.pacificwar.org.au/Philippines/FallBataanCorreg.html  

https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44807646 https://www.flickr.com/photos/150334035@N07/34884743144

Holy Week in the Philippines

        I may be non-Catholic, but I did grow up with neighbors who are Catholic and observed how they participate in this Lenten Season.  I hear that in Western churches it begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and provides for a 40-day fast (Sundays are excluded), in imitation of Jesus Christ's fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

    Lent, or kwaresma in Filipino, is the season during which Filipinos remember Christ's passion, suffering, death, and resurrection. The Philippines is known as the only primarily Christian country in Asia, and its population is made up of a large number of devout Catholics, which is why Lent Season or Holy Week traditions are commonly practiced in a very unique manner. Here in the Philippines, it is known as Mahal na Araw or Semana Santa, and it begins on Palm Sunday and continues through Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and concludes on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday.

      Lent is an important religious observance in Christianity because it marks and commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God's Son, our Savior, and Redeemer. It's a good time to think about what it means to be a Christian. 

Resources: https://bemyguest.com.sg/p/lenten-season-festivities-in-the-philippines-a-showcase-of-filipino-customs-traditions-and-artistry  https://www.aethelmark.com/blog/e/e3/ https://tinyurl.com/bdzkxdzy https://tinyurl.com/2nakv748 https://www.insightguides.com/inspire-me/blog/visual/lenten-rites-in-pampanga-philippines 

Kannawidan Festival Delivers Lights of Hope

      Fiestas and celebrations are returning as the Philippines begins to recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak, providing Filipinos with a much-needed dose of levity. Kannawidan 2022, a series of activities aiming at celebrating life and sharing joy, was officially launched by the province administration of Ilocos Sur earlier this month.

      Kannawidan is a festival commemorating the separation of the two Ilocos provinces in 1818 in the province of Ilocos Sur. This celebration features cultural performances, religious rites, and cookery demonstrations showcasing the best of Ilocano cuisine.

         The celebrations were kicked off by the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, led by Governor Ryan Luis Singson and Vice Governor Jeremias Singson, as well as members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and officials and employees from local government units and national government agencies. Different events were held as a celebration of the kannawidan Festival, the first night was a dancing fountain show, a drone light show followed by a fireworks display, and a comedy night held at the Quirino Stadium. The second night was the coronation of the Sanita Ti Ylocos beauty pageant and the Chef Wars Cooking Competition. The third day concluded with LGBTQ Night. The event concluded with "Your Face Sounds Familiar, The Lip Sync Battle." Aside from competitions, the Kannawidan Festival also featured a dog show featuring American bulldogs, a car and motor show, Tinattoan, a bike race, game fowl, a rhythm fest, and the much-anticipated Bakbakan sa Ilocos Sur. 

     We should continue to be united as Ilocanos because, in such a short amount of time we have achieved to celebrate Kannawidan Festival with so many events, this just shows how we are getting back to normal and that Covid-19 is slowly fading in our lives and were trying to live with it.

Resources: 

https://tinyurl.com/mrvwrx3n 

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/02/20/ilocos-sur-celebrates-kannawidan-2022/

     

Let's Feel The Christmas Season in Vigan

           My heart can’t just wait for the Christmas season to come, I get excited whenever I see Christmas lights on the houses of my neighbors and on the streets. The cold that touches my skin wherever we go to Vigan City. We may not get rid of Covid-19 yet, but it will not stop us from celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

        As the new variant of Covid-19, Omicron arises it didn’t stop us from celebrating Christmas. Simbang Gabi masses are back and people have come to gather, the streets start to light up with parols and Christmas lights. Families come to Vigan and take a picture with the Christmas theme display in front of our City Hall. Though we must always be careful and obediently follow the protocols to avoid the spread of the virus. Each municipality showcased its own bright Christmas tree to remind us that there is hope and that we can all get through this.

      Christmas doesn’t need to be celebrated extravagantly because the important thing is that we celebrate it sincerely with our hearts and with our families. The Christmas season will always be there and will always come nevertheless. Through these tough times, Christmas reminds us that we made it again and we will always make it.   

References:

 http://vigancity.gov.ph/its-christmas-season-in-vigan-city/

https://tawidnewsmag.com/artes-ita-paskua/

2nd Quarter Treated Me Alright

              This 2^nd Quarter has been a blast in the subject of ICT, I would never expect that I would be making HTML. They are quite easier than I expected, don’t get me wrong there were times where I would be stuck on one task just because I wasn’t putting the right apostrophe or missing a space but I would still be having fun.

             I addressed these challenges by asking my classmates and teacher or just rereading the instructions because sometimes my eyes would skip a few words. LOL. ICT this 2^nd quarter was not too tough for me, and I think I learned a lot from making HTML to designing its contents. I just want to say that there wasn’t much trouble that occurred to me, there were some but my friends helped me so thanks to them.

            Moving on, I very much anticipate this 3^rd quarter and what lessons it will teach us, I am very open to new things and I would very like to learn more from this subject.  

Resources: 

https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-add-a-background-image-to-the-top-section-of-your-webpage-with-html

https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-add-a-background-image-to-the-top-section-of-your-webpage-with-html

The Fiesta Must Go On!

          Every year on January 25, the Vigan City Fiesta is celebrated in honor of St. Paul the Apostle, the city's patron saint. Locals and tourists alike flock to witness and participate in street dance, carnivals, culinary festivals, and arts and crafts, all of which add to the allure of this UNESCO World Heritage City. The Vigan City Fiesta is usually held over a few days. It involves the commemoration of Vigan's cityhood anniversary, which takes place every January 27.

      I would remember from time to time when I and my family would watch the Street dancers as pass, go to the carnival and ride all the rides, then go to the food fair where we rest and eat foods that are only available when the fiesta is there. 

      We wouldn't be able to experience this year but let us not be discouraged because the fiesta shall go on within our hearts and let the traditions continue. 

       

Reference:

https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/vigan-city-fiesta.html

https://johndenrich23.weebly.com/history-of-vigan

https://yomaps.net/en/PH/ilocos/vigan-grand-carnival-lphT1JVK1.html

New Year, Same Me?

     It has been 2 years since Covid -19 has started and a lot of things have changed, including me. A lot can happen in 1 year, a lot of things have changed; our house changed, I got a new dog who's turning 1 in February, and my brother got taller but for me, a lot of me has stayed and I think I prefer it that way.

       A lot of people make this thing called a ‘’New Year’s Resolution’’, it is a promise to do something different in the New Year. I stopped making New Year’s resolution a year ago because I realized that I wasn’t committing to it so why bother making one this year, right? The new I this new year is that I stop making these promises to myself and instead have goals that I know will achieve.

     The new me this New Year will be a better me will be a wiser me and will be a more responsible me because as I’m getting older that nothing stays, everyday things move and change that is why I also decided to change for my betterment.

References:

https://happyeventday.com/happy-new-year-greetings/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/New%20Year%27s%20resolution

My Essence of Christmas

            Christmas is almost here again, the time when we celebrate the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the past two years, Christmas was a little sad because I could not celebrate it with my loved ones and closest friends. Still, now that almost everyone is getting vaccinated, they come home and celebrate it together.

           The essence of Christmas for me is not about the presents I get or the food I eat; it's about the people with who I celebrate it, the laughter that we share in front of our Noche Buena, while the Christmas songs of Jose Mari Chan is playing in the background. Covid-19 had a massive impact on our lives; it made us realize that you should always cherish one's presence and never take it for granted.

         Every day is Christmas for me because it’s a blessing that I get to open my eyes, wake up and be with my family. I am thankful for all the days that I have been in this world. Celebrating the birth of Jesus shouldn’t just be a one-time thing every year, but an everyday one.

References: https://ph.news.yahoo.com/here-is-why-the-philippines-celebrate-the-worlds-longest-christmas-season-062426338.html