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Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and finishes at sundown on Holy Thursday, is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It serves as a preparation in celebrating the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. We pray to the Lord by reading Sacred Scripture, serve by giving alms, and cultivate self-control by fasting during Lent. We are called not only to refrain from indulgences, but also to a deep conversion of heart as we follow Christ's wishes with purity and full willingness. In this season, we remember the waters of baptism, where we were baptized into Christ's death, death to sin and evil, and new life in Christ.

During the Lenten Season, Filipinos have traditionally observed the Holy Week, which usually falls in April. During Lenten Season, churches from all over the Philippines hold various activities for prayers, devotions, and other religious traditions to commemorate Jesus Christ's life and journey in saving us. As the only predominantly Catholic nation in Asia, Lenten Season has been considered as one of the most important religious events we celebrate. This is when Filipino religiosity reaches its pinnacle as reflected in numerous traditions, we practice remembering Christ's journey to the cross.

Holy Week transforms individuals into fervent pilgrims and devotees. As I've grown up into such kind of nature, I'm already used to seeing local scenes that are available during Holy Week. For all types of individuals, Vigan city has become a holy dream scape. During the Holy Week, Roman Catholics perform the visita iglesia, stations of the cross, and there are those who patiently wait for the procession to begin, reciting prayers while holding candles and rosaries as they walk with the carrozas, which carry sculptures depicting the Roman Catholic version of the gospel.

These are some of the practices and events that we Filipinos are passionate about which have drawn international attention.

As an altar server, I was able to fully understand the true significance of Lenten season and the Holy Week.  I am more than excited, and I feel honored to take part in this celebration such as in serving God. While I served God in masses, I slowly came to realize all the sacrifices Jesus Christ has done for us to be saved from all of our sins. If we always continue to repent and deepen our faith especially during the Lenten season, we will hopefully receive salvation. And as the Holy week implies that Christ is the Resurrection and the Life, we should change our bad traits and live in accordance to what God wants us to be.

The country's celebrations have different themes. One of them may be extravagant, lively, or solemn, it really depends on the location or occasion. But one thing is for sure, each event is an exhibition of Filipinos' spirituality while also highlighting the people's creative and artistic sides. Lenten Season serves as a reminder for us to value love, hope, and discover the true meaning of our lives. It is such a good culture that Filipinos represent Jesus' life and passion to show how salvation comes to everyone.

Reference:

        https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/lent

        https://www.fumcborger.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/2020/02/Lenten-season-1200x630-862x453.jpg

        Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is celebrated as a way to commemorate the separation of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, the two Ilocos Provinces. It showcases the local products that Ilocos Sur are proud of, different cultures and traditions, most especially the deep-rooted religiosity of the Ilocanos. It is also Ilocano’s expression of gratitude to God, not only for his abundant blessings and for the rich heritage, but also for the profound family ties among Ilocanos.

    With the occurrence coronavirus pandemic, such kind of festival was celebrated without the presence of Ilocosurians’ smiles. However, we are now starting to recover from the drastic effects of the pandemic and everything seems to slowly be in its proper place and our lives is going back to normal. Thus, in 2022, Ilocosurians got to celebrate the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival with much excitement and overflowing happiness. It was officially opened by the leadership of Governor Ryan Luis v. Singson, along with Vice Governor Jeremias C. Singson and the whole Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur. Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Officials and Employees of Local Government Units, and National Government Agencies were also present in the Opening Program.

    During the program, there was a performance coming from the Suyo Indigenous Peoples Community Group called “Tadek ken Balliwes”. This is an ethnic dance which expresses jubilation over victory, thanksgiving and other significant events.

        The first night of the celebration was greeted with a dancing fountain show and a very splendid fireworks display right in front of the New Legislative Building which lighted up the sky. There was also a drone light show as a way to wake up more of the Ilocosurians’ strong spirit against the pandemic and to acknowledge the sacrifices and contribution of our dear front liners in fighting the COVID-19.

        The second day was the coronation of Saniata ti Ylocos 2022. Ms. Richelle Anne Presto, the Vigan City Representative was able to bring home the crown. In the said celebration, there were a lot of activities and competitions that people can enjoy like Cooking Competition, LGBTQ Night, Your Face Sounds Familiar (The Lip Sync Batte), Dog Shows, Bike Race, Game Fowl, and Tinattoan. There were also food fairs suitable for every Ilocosurian.

        Additionally, there were performances from Tiktok Stars and promising bands from other places. Such a good opportunity for the people to have a glimpse of their idols and a quick break from school requirements and busy reality.  Surely every Ilocosurian got to enjoy the Festival and had experiences which they can treasure forever.

        Health Protocols were observed amid the celebration of the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival to ensure the safety of the people entering the Tamag grounds and other places for the said activities.

Reference: 

    https://mb.com.ph/2022/02/20/ilocos-sur-celebrates-kannawidan-2022-with-pageants-lgbtqs-and-light-shows/

          https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.de4406a2a2c5e4572e90833b52010d1d?

The 2nd Quarter was such a flash, but I definitely learned a lot in ICT. I was able to engage with HTML and discover the definition and certain uses of the different tags. What's fun and significant about this subject is we are able to apply all our knowledge by doing the performance tasks. It is indeed critical for a student like me to be offered with lessons inclined with technology, but despite the myriad of benefits, there are also some problems that I was bound to encounter.

Living in this modern world and era became much easier because of the knowledge I've taken in ICT. I was able to keep up even though we are not equipped with enough materials. Indeed, this subject is such a great advantage which can really be useful in our daily living. However, the drawbacks were hard for me to bear. There were times that me and my siblings had scheduling conflicts in using the laptop or some gadgets.

Nevertheless, this subject really never failed to exceed all my expectations. I do believe that this is such a big part of my journey as a student for its benefits are evident as I interact with other people online and when engaging with the technology.

Moving on, I will apply all the knowledge I've taken this quarter in order to be more capable in handling the next two quarters this school year and even in the next chapters of my life with technology-based matters. Despite the challenges that await, I will not be hesitant to face them and be improved.

Reference: https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/elearning-class-and-ebook-digital-technology-in-education-concept-pc-picture-id1004209050?k=6&m=1004209050&s=170667a&w=0&h=KluBu0AqMJg3xBzQns33H9wBXmlNasZuuwVIU9IUKZ0=

Vigan City Fiesta is held every 25^th of January. It is celebrated in commemoration of the feast of the conversation of Saint Paul, the city’s patron saint. The Fiesta usually lasts for several days for it includes parades, cultural shows, street dancing, food fairs and crafts exhibits. However, due to the occurrence of coronavirus pandemic, all these were stopped, and the celebration became much simple unlike before.

As health protocols were implemented in order for us to be protected from the virus, we have to respect and obey them. Thus, it is understandable that the above-mentioned activities aren’t allowed during pandemic. Nevertheless, surely every Bigueño misses the old celebration wherein even those from abroad and from all over the country choose to return to Vigan.

            Indeed, COVID-19 not only changed our lives drastically but it has also disrupted all the celebrations we all have been waiting for. However, our safety and health matter the most so we must be abided by the safety precautions even though this does means being unable to do what we used to. 

Reference:   https://scontent.fmnl3-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808 

We got to experience the tragic episodes of being one of the COVID-19 patients. It is just extremely hard to express what we went through with those times. We were locked up behind bars of extreme fear and worries. However, despite those challenges which lead us to the bottom, I do believe that those were also my instruments in rising and standing up tall.

Even a man without a foot can possibly reach success with two hands up high. This only proves that whatever a person is going through, he/she can find a way to be on top of it. I will make sure that despite being afraid and behind the shadow back then, this year I will fight my sit on the table.

I now stand stronger and bolder because of my extraordinary experiences. This year is a new beginning and as I open a new chapter of my book, I will improve the errors of the previous ones and be the upgraded version of myself. I will show how things I've learned molded me into who I am today.

Reference: https://lifesherpa.com.au/system/articles/images/000/000/156/main/Life-Sherpa-new-year-budget-banner.jpg?1641943149

In just a snap, COVID-19 entered our lives and caused chaos. Thousands of people suffered to death and some behind the bars of extreme fear and poverty. The world really turned out to be such an image in grayscale and we seem to have lost interests in the especial occasions we’re used to celebrate with overflowing happiness and enjoyment. As such is the Christmas where our actions became limited and there’s a lot of things to be considered.  Thus, is it still worth celebrating in today’s world despite the pandemic and health crisis?  

Christmas is a holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the time for families to reunite. People are given Christmas break and employees are given bonus. Of course, it is not complete without extensive and creative planning.  There are a lot of activities to be considered, thus even on the first week December, people are already preparing for decorations, food, gifts, attire in Simbang Gabi and Christmas eve. People also make sure their own house is thoroughly cleaned before any decoration begins. Presents are wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree and to be opened on Christmas Day.

Above mentioned describe how we celebrate Christmas back then. How nice, isn’t it? But as pandemic started and we need to obey the safety precaution in order not to be infected with the virus, celebration became limited. However, Filipinos are known for expressing exceptional love for others and how we truly value our families. Thus, no matter what comes to our way we still find ways to celebrate with the true essence and meaning of Christmas.

Indeed, despite being distant and apart from each other, nothing can stop our hearts to celebrate the Christmas and reunite, for the true essence of this great time of ours isn’t just about having party gathering, merry making and exchanging gifts. What’s matters most is to spread peace and cherish every moment while making our family, relatives, friends and other people feel the love we have for them. 

Reference: https://www.phillymag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/10/christmas-village-philadelphia.jpg

Eyes tired from staring the screen, mouth full of unheard concerns, and brain drained with the abundant of school works. In these times of pandemic where everyone is affected drastically, behind the clueless faces are children slowly suffering and who seem to be deprived from their rights and freedom. Above all, we truly believed that education is the foundation of success, but does the new normal still the same as the most powerful weapon to change the world?

As the rise of COVID-19 cases started, schools needed to close, and education was paused. After some plans for an effective solution, they ended up transforming it to online and modular learning. No one can ever deny how challenging it is to go through with the new normal considering the fact that we differ in terms of financial status, availability of needed gadgets, level of excellency, and internet access. Nevertheless, online and modular learning were found to be effective means in education. Some of the evident advantages were Efficiency, Accessibility Of Time And Place, affordability and Variety Of Learning Styles. In terms of efficiency, Online learning offers teachers an efficient way to deliver lessons to students. While in accessibility of time and place, online lectures can be recorded, archived, and shared for future reference. This allows students to access the learning material at a time of their comfort. When talking about affordability, Online education is far more affordable as compared to physical learning. This is because online learning eliminates the cost points of student transportation, student meals, and most importantly, real estate. And lastly is the variety of learning styles, the online learning system, with its range of options and resources, can be personalized in many ways. It is the best way to create a perfect learning environment suited to the needs of each student.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to be equipped with materials to fit in this high-tech world. But, we are all equally blessed as education amid pandemic is not just a privilege but a right for everybody because we are all given a chance to continue learning even with the abrupt changes in the educational system. It might be an eye opener for greater developments and a way through the discovery of hidden assets especially to children as their childhood is such a stepping stone towards discovering the wonders of the world.

Indeed, the new normal set-up to begin with has its drawbacks, but time goes by and as we unfold its book of advantages, the sufferings children had to go through which we called as a way of deprivation became an opportunity to value and further enhance their right to education in this modern era. And yes, the new normal may be way too complicated for children, but if we just learn to adopt it and focus on its brighter side, it can still be the same as the most powerful weapon which we all can use to change the world.

 References:

  Gautam, Priyanka. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Learning. https://elearningindustry.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-online-learning.

              http://www.inopacan.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/1.png