Kannawidan Festival: Honoring Ilocano Traditions Through Time

 "Kannawidan: A Celebration of Heritage, A Legacy of Culture."

    Ilocos Sur's Kannawidan Festival is greater than a festive occasion—it is a celebration of the province's long-standing tradition, culture, and identity. Being an annual activity, it is a remembrance of Ilocano heritage to make the younger generations keep in mind the importance of remembering and upholding the traditions passed down by their forebears. The festival features some of the different facets of Ilocano life, ranging from native crafts and local cuisine to traditional dances and rituals that have survived the passage of time. One of the festival's biggest attractions is the trade and food fair, where local businessmen, farmers, and artisans proudly showcase their products. This not only contributes to the economy of the province but also to the emphasis on sustainability and people-centered growth. Kannawidan is also a chance for Ilocanos around the globe to relearn about their heritage, reinforcing the sense of pride and togetherness among the people.

    Aside from economic and cultural conservation, Kannawidan also reflects the strength of Ilocanos as they valorize their capacity for adaptation while remaining firm on their traditions. It is a celebration that brings the past and future together, recalling everyone that heritage is not only recalled but lived and loved on a daily basis.

    At Kannawidan, one can sense the happiness in the atmosphere that is based on intelligence and not merely on the music or dance. the realization that our tradition is not only for display but for survival. From the beginning to the end, they are the threads that weave us together. The drumbeat reminds us that we are still here and that we have not forgotten how we arrived, as well as being an invitation to dance. In spite of the passage of time and the pressure from the world beyond our fields and mountains, we have endured.

REFERENCE:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1A7NaQBXib/

Love in the Air: Embracing the Spirit of Valentine's Day

Love is not just a day on the calendar, but a feeling that lasts a lifetime.

"Perfect" by Ed Sheeran

I found a love for me  

Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead  

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet  

Oh, I never knew you were

    Above all else, love is not only reserved for couples; it is something that is extended to everyone—family, friends, and even strangers. Love is a straightforward yet deep action that netizens and people share with others alike. Beyond just an emotion, love is selfless, kind, and significant—it is a part of life that brings people warmth, joy, and bond.

    On the 14th of February, we have Valentine's Day, a day that is all about showing love, kindness, and care. It is not just a day for couples but a day when everyone can appreciate the people around them. A mere smile of joy, a love letter, a bunch of flowers, or even a warm smile can make a person feel special, empowered, and loved.

    As a student, I have gone through having feelings for someone, and I used to wonder about what could have happened if the connection had been maintained for a longer period. If everything had gone well, our relationship could already be several months old at this time. Aside from individual experiences, though, this year's Valentine's Day was really something special for me. It was a day filled with love and appreciation, where each of us exchanged letters and bouquets, celebrating the beauty of human connection.  Valentine’s Day is not just about romantic love; it is a day where people express gratitude, kindness, and genuine emotions toward one another.

    Love is not just a feeling—it is a sacrifice, an act of selflessness, and a value far greater than material things. As students, we are taught that love is not quantified by grand acts or pricey presents but through the purity of our actions and the diligence we exert to make them feel special. Ultimately, love is all around. It's in the friendship we offer our friends, the patience we show to our relatives, and the kindness we lend to those in need. Valentine's Day reminds us so elegantly that love, in any of its permutations, is really what makes life worthwhile. 

REFERENCE:

https://th.bing.com/thid=OIP.zKuohqINv4nBqHm2jSqcuAHaEK&w=333&h=187&c=8&rs=1&qlt=90&o=6&dpr=1.5&pid=3.1&rm=2

Exploring Communities: Our Research Journey in Action

"Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

    Our community-based research, "Beyond the Net: Exploring the Impact of Dulong Fish on Fishermen's Lives and Communities," was on the fishing industry in Fuerte, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. The study investigated how Dulong fish affects the livelihoods, economic stability, and well-being of local fishermen.

    We found that Dulong fishing is an important activity for the community, providing income and food security. Unfortunately, it suffers from environmental degradation, overfishing, and market constraints. An open-ended questionnaire was administered to fishermen, and every detail of their struggles and aspirations was collected and comprehensively analysed through interviews.

    Our research calls for sustainable fishing, better economic opportunities, and community involvement to ensure the long-term success of Dulong fishing. Addressing these concerns will contribute to economic resilience and the preservation of cultural traditions in Caoayan's fishing communities.

    Our team gathered to discuss research objectives, assign tasks, and develop strategies for data collection. This stage involved choosing our focus area, formulating survey questions, and planning interviews.

    After collecting data, we analyzed the responses to identify key patterns and challenges faced by fishermen. This step helped us understand the broader impact of Dulong fishing on their lives.

    One of the most insightful parts of our research was interviewing the local fishermen not just fishermen but also the residents of Fuerte, Caoayan. We asked about their daily routines, challenges in the fishing industry, and how Dulong fishing affects their livelihood. Many shared their struggles with low market prices, unpredictable catches, and environmental concerns. Their stories gave us a deeper understanding of their resilience and the importance of sustainable fishing practices.

 

Reflections on My Learning Journey and Growth

 

Q1. What have I learned?

    I have learned about HTML attributes and community-based research. In the previous quarter, HTML became deeply ingrained in my knowledge—I familiarized myself with various attributes, corrected wrong tags, and improved my ability to construct well-structured code. This experience allowed me to enhance my understanding and technical skills. Additionally, I explored community-based research, which, as an SSC student, I found to have a distinct approach compared to traditional research subjects.

Q2. What challenges have I encountered?

    One of the challenges I faced was my lack of participation at times. During group activities, I sometimes found myself hesitant to engage, as my shyness would take over. This made it difficult for me to actively contribute to group work.

Q3. How did I overcome these challenges?

    As an introvert person, I am working on overcoming this challenge by pushing myself to participate and collaborate with others. I will strive to overcome self-doubt and insecurities when communicating, ensuring that I contribute effectively to group activities.

    Moving forward, I will cherish the lessons I have learned and apply them meaningfully. As I enter the last quarter of the school year, I am committed to studying smarter than ever, giving my best effort, and working towards achieving my goals for the future.

REFERENCES: https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.p_69icibra3xUv8jJcPvAwHaE1?w=270&h=180&c=7&r=0&o=5&dpr=1.5&pid=1.7

Chinese New Year 2025 – Why Do Filipinos Celebrate It?

     

"The Chinese presence in the Philippines has shaped many aspects of our daily lives, from food to language and even beliefs about luck and prosperity."

    Chinese New Year is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the Philippines, despite it not originally being a Filipino tradition. For centuries, Chinese culture has heavily influenced the country because Chinese traders and settlers had been part of Philippine society even before Spanish colonization. Today, this New Year is an important undertaking celebrated nationwide, with many Filipinos of Chinese ancestry joining in the revelry. The primary reason Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year is that the Chinese Filipino community is deeply rooted in society. Many Filipino families have Chinese ancestry, and their customs, traditions, and values have blended with local culture. This includes practices like giving ang pao, preparing tikoy, and following Feng Shui beliefs for luck and prosperity.

    Additionally, Filipinos are intrinsically attracted to the activities of celebrating with family, luck, and merriment – aspects that also represent the crux of Chinese New Year. Dragon and lion dances, firework displays, and huge banquets fill hearts with happiness within communities of Chinatown districts as well as households in general.

    The government of the Philippines also declares Chinese New Year as a special non-working holiday, where more Filipinos could partake of the celebrations. This declaration gives a reflection of the multicultural spirit of the country and their respect for other traditions.  It is the epitome of the country's cultural diversity, where the whole nation unites together to thank each other for being fortunate enough to celebrate a prosperous year ahead, bringing.

REFERENCE: -https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/GV0A5bjanVUm4uRBByt3WhVq2NY=/4310x2877/filters:fill(auto,1)/GettyImages-821407668-5c279f54c9e77c0001894cf7.jpg