Francis

  Vigan City is known for its old Spanish buildings and history. When I visited during the Fiesta of the Conversion of St. Paul, the city became more colorful and lively. While walking at Calle Crisologo, I felt the happy and festive mood because there was music, decorations, and smiling people preparing for the celebration. Joining this fiesta helped me see how faith, culture, and history come together in Vigan. The Fiesta of the Conversion of St. Paul is both a religious and cultural event. One of the main highlights was the procession and Holy Mass where many people showed their strong faith. Even with the new normal, health rules were followed, but the celebration was still full of life. The streets were decorated with banderitas, and cultural shows showed the beauty of Ilocano traditions. During the fiesta, I saw many activities like street shows, cultural dances, and food stalls. I enjoyed watching short performances about Ilocano culture and listening to local music near the...

In the third quarter, I learn a lot of new things in my classes. In math, I discover how to solve equations with variables, which make algebra more easy to understand. In science, I found about how evolution works and other stuff. Also in English, I learn to write better paragraphs and understand stories more deeper. These things help me feel more smart and more confident in school. During this quarter, I have some problems and challenges. One big problem is keeping up with homework because I got many assignments from different subjects. Another challenge was to understand some hard topics in history, like the causes of wars, which confuse me at first. I also struggle with time management, like balancing study time and sports practice. To fix these problems, I talk to my teachers for extra help in confusing topics. I made a schedule to organize my homework and study time more better. For history, I watched simple videos online that explain things in easy way. I also ask my friends for ...

Jose Rizal is often known as the “face of the Philippines” because he gave the ideas that started the country fight for independence. Even though he was a doctor, poet, and someone who speak many languages, his biggest contribution is waking up the national identity of the Filipinos. Before Rizal, the Philippines was just many separated islands, but through his writings, the people begin to realize that they are one nation sharing the same struggle against foreign rule. His strongest weapons was his two novels, *Noli Me Tangere* and *El Filibusterismo*. These books did not fight using guns or swords, but they fight using the truth. By showing the corruption of Spanish friars and the unfair actions of the colonial government, Rizal made Filipinos see the real situation of their country. The stories serve like a mirror that reflect the dignity of the people and the need for peaceful but strong changes. Aside from his writings, Rizal contribution can also be seen in his example as a perso...

For me, Christmas always start with faith. Every year, my family and me make sure to attend Simbang Gabi, which is a tradition that reminds us about the true meaning of Christmas. Waking up very early, praying together, and thinking about the birth of Christ helps shape the mood of the season, not as time for too much celebration, but as a season of hope, humility, and being thankful. Through this practice, I am always reminded that Christmas is mainly about God love for the people. This year, Christmas became more special when we go caroling, something I have not experience for almost ten years. What really surprised me is how people, even those who have almost nothing, still choose to give. Some give coins, some food, and some only smile, but all of it shows that giving does not depend on having a lot of money. Because of this experience, I realized that Christmas is truly a season of giving, where kindness comes from the heart and not from how rich a person is. Celebrating Christmas...

The Philippines have many different indigenous groups that are rich in culture and tradition, and every October the country celebrate the National Indigenous Peoples Month. This year theme, “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future,” reminds us that the culture and traditions of our indigenous brothers and sisters is very important in shaping who we are as Filipinos. This celebration give us time to remember our past and to make sure that these colorful cultures will continue for the next generations. To “weave culture” does not only mean weaving fabrics or clothes, but it also means protecting stories, languages, and rituals that was passed down for many years. Indigenous communities have a lot of knowledge, especially in taking care of nature and environment. By listening to their voices and respecting their rights to ancestral lands, we help make the nation more stronger. They are the true protectors of forests and mountains, and their way of living teaches us how humans should live in bal...

Elpidio Rivera Quirino (1890–1956), who was the sixth President of the Philippines, came from a poor background and later reached the highest position in the country. He became president during a very hard time when the Philippines was rebuilding after World War II. He was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, and is considered a self-made man because he worked many small jobs like being a barrio teacher and a clerk just to pay for his schooling. After finishing Manila High School, Quirino studied law at the University of the Philippines and graduated in 1915, passing the bar exam in the same year. His background in law and early work as a private secretary of Manuel L. Quezon helped prepared him for public service even at a young age. His political career slowly grow in both legislative and executive branches. He first entered politics as a Congressman of Ilocos Sur in 1919 and later became a Senator. His role became more important when he joined the Philippine independence mission to Washington...

This coming National Children’s Month on November 2025 carries a very serious message: “End Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM): Fight for the Safety and Rights of Children!” This message is calling everyone to act now. In simple words, we need to stop people who hurting children using the internet. Sadly, Philippines is known as one of the countries where these online crimes is happening often. This month gives a chance for parents, teachers, leaders, and the community to think how we can protect children better, online and offline. Keeping children safe and respected should be our top responsibility. The government created a strong protection through Republic Act No. 11930. This law can be seen as a powerful shield against online child abuse. In my opinion, this law is a big improvement and a good step forward. It helps the Philippines become a leader in child protection. The law gives heavier punishment to...