KANNAWIDAN Ylocos Festival

Colorful flaglets. Huge banners. Magnificent decorations. Clannish costumes.

Philippines is a country known for its various festivals. Most of which are due to religion. But, nowadays, the religious aspect comes next as its epitome already.

The province of Ilocos Sur is blessed with a very rich heritage. Its customs and traditions gives the province itself a foremost oddness. However, because of the rapid modernization, these customs and traditions are slowly vanishing. Children of this generation spend most of their time on televisions and on the internet. They are very fond of the modern dances and foreign songs that they aren’t even aware of the significance of their own traditional dances and songs. Because of  the signs of the culture’s extinction, there really is a need to revive and rekindle the soul of the Ilocano. There is a need to conduct programs and celebrations to make Ilocano aware of their customs and traditions, to pave the way in preserving them; and thus, preserve the peculiarity of our culture.

With response to this, the city government organize a festival to preserve these customs and traditions as well as to attract foreign and local tourists. It is called the KANNAWIDAN Festival. It is also the time to celebrate the anniversary of the province of Ilocos Sur since it was separated February 2, 1818.

Kannawidan Festival is on its 196^th year. It’s annually celebrated to create awareness and preservation on the rich cultural heritage of Ilocos Sur. There are many activities which are being conducted in this celebration. It sets the stage for a religious procession with miraculous saints from different municipalities, a trade fair featuring dances and crafts and local products, events such as cultural dances and ethnic rituals, a zarzuela performance, traditional games, Saniata(pageant)  and a food fest featuring traditional local cuisine.

Kannawidan has really attained its purpose which is to preserve the rich Ilocano culture. With these colourful week, I am in no doubt that people will give importance to what it’s like to be a true-blooded Ilocano. And of course, with the collective efforts of the Ilocanos and the provincial officials, Ilocos Sur will continue shining not only in the Philippines but also around the globe.

Soar high Ilocos Sur!

New Year! New...... Me?

A change on the fourth digit of 201. Another chapter of our lives. A different period of love, misadventures, failures, triumphs, expectations and disappointments.

I am sure that 2013 had been a circus town of emotions. As the automaton stops, we certainly think that it’s done. End of Show. End of story. Well it’s not, of course. But just another signpost we’ve vied. Ups and downs.  Highs and hues. I am in no doubt that we became better because of the negatives.  And of course, our bucket of memories and laughter are now closer to their brims.

We can’t say that this year was ‘perfect’ because of the fact that future (no matter what its range is) is unpredictable. And there’s always another year where new things are conveyed.  Bunches of opportunities to grab, and reels of threads  to hold onto.  Along these lines, for the chi of new beginnings, I’ve decided to impart my New Year’s resolutions.

Health is wealth. To be healthier. To eat enough. To eat on time. To drink plenty of water.

To submit my projects on time. To not get drawn to procrastination. To give my best shot every time. To participate on activities where my skills could be developed. To take hold on every opportunity without hesitation. To let go of my reticence and to develop spontaneity.

To make new friends. To smile more often. To be more kind to others and of course to myself. To say “thank you” more often (with sincerity).

To be true  to myself. To voice out what’s  in my head. To appreciate the positives and develop the negatives. To do what could result into good.

To share more blessings. To spend more time with the people I love.

To live my life to the fullest.

To learn to let go. “The price of a memory is the memory of the sorrow it brings.” Memories are said to be sacrosanct, so, in taking another path, we must not forget they are already just scars of the past. 2013 may have given me a lot of miseries, but I hope that this 2014, I could finally loosen my grip to the cuts I’ve been enduring for a matter of time.

If truth be told, NEW YEAR makes people shriek the chant “New Year! New Me!”  particularly in the social networking sites. In my head, I say “ Do they really want to be NEW? Like… NEW?,” “Ugh. Maybe they meant ‘New Year. New Style. New Hair. Blablabla..”

If I am to be asked, I strongly do not want to be a “NEW” me. I have my resolutions but they aren’t intended to turn me out into a different person. They are the things to strive for – to improve the things I, myself, already have and to find them within me.

Now let me ask you, are you ready?

Me? I am ready. I am ready to ameliorate me. 

ICT Lores III

Just like during second grading, 3^rd grading was busier than I have ever expected.  And of course it is because of the contests we were preparing for (DSPC, RSPC, City Meet).

Though distracted by these activities, at least, I still learned something in this subject (ICT).  We discussed and did some exercises in putting background images, background colours, hyperlinks, etc.,

At first, as usual, I find it boring, but when our subject teacher gave us assignment, every piece of me was challenged. The other teams were composed of very creative individuals, I was threatened, we were threatened. So, we did our very best. We sacrificed for about two hours of sleep each day. It was worth it. Most of our classmates enjoyed our project and I do hope that our teacher did too. Their comments were enough and relieving. I was just happy that we were able to apply everything that we have learned.

In this final grading, I am going to make the best out of it and that I am hoping for more challenging yet fun activities and projects! :)

A Christmas Message To All

Christmas, they say, is the season for giving and sharing. With the terms giving and sharing, it do not mean that you need to buy the most luxurious gifts for your family or friends. It's about the willingness to give and share a part of your life, a part of your well-being, a part of yourself. The season is a way to remind us about the real meaning of Christmas itself - that sharing is caring.

Back in our childhood days, we would ask for gifts from our Ninongs and Ninangs: toys, coins, foods. All these things made us so happy that we didn't care about anything else. Now that we're grown up, a simple hug and kiss from our parents, close relatives and bestfriends would mean a lot. We always knew that being with them is still the best way to celebrate Christmas. 

Between life and death, there are many obstacles an individual must overcome. At one point, we would just let ourselves drop on our knees because of so much stress, of so much suffering. There are these critical times when we were next to giving up, letting every sliver of hope go. From simple mistakes to our total failure, sometimes, we even wish we could just disappear into dust. 

But amidst all those dark moments when problems seem to suffocate us and natural forces ruin our lives, we still have sweet, happy moments to hang on to - having quality time with love ones, accomplishing a job, attaining an ultimate goal,finding the answer to long-asked question, and achieving victory. And more than that, there's this day wherein we feel like celebrating all our hardships and sacrifices for the whole year and for a while, forget all the worries and troubles that are on our ways. 

There may be those less fortunate people who can't afford to get a new dress or have something to feast on, we may be one of those people. But we are STRONG. We cannot let any obstacle spoil the happiest time ogf the year. Every one of us deserves a 'Merry' Christmas.

Just remember our common goal: "Give love on Christmas day." Say "I love you" to your family, to your friends, to your collegues. For these three powerful words can heal everyon's heart. Don't merely say it; let them feel it. And most of all, express your love and gratitude to the Lord, for He is really the source of pure and divine love - the true essence of Christmas.

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR! :)

Think Before You Act

“Climate change is a long-term shift in weather conditions identified by changes in temperature, precipitation, winds, and other indicators.”

Today’s world is now bombarded with predictions thru climate change. These predictions are utilized in the construction of informations regarding the future. The knowledge it gives us is legit, not like those which are seen on crystal balls, because the informations are based on science. There are suspicions regarding the predictions but the fact that it says that the Earth’s sea water level will rise because of the melting of glaciers and the heating of the atmosphere is of a bit doubtful. Though these were scientifically formulated, we should always put in mind that they are not exempted to change even though they are not speculations nor opinions.

The earthly problems we are encountering now are almost all due to climate change. High temperature, many typhoons, skin diseases due to UV Rays etc.
What are the causes of climate change by the way?
*Natural causes: changes in volcanic activity, solar output, the Earth's orbit around the sun
*Human causes: burning of fossil fuels, conversion of land for forestry and agriculture
*Short-lived and long-lived climate forcers: sulphate aerosols, excessive emissions of harmful gases, carbon dioxide

How about the effects of climate change?
*higher temperature, changing landscapes, wildlife at risk, rising seas, increase risk of drought, fire, and floods, stronger storms and increase storm damage, more heat related illness and diseases, economic loss

See? Its effects outnumbers its causes. With a single mistake, its impact on our environment multiplies.

I know that most of us have the knowledge about the change of climate. Actually, it offers us oppurtunities. And we must evaluate them regarding the risks. We have the responsibility. Yes. Which is to act...

Green your community!
Be energy Efficient!
Trim your waste!
Get informed!
Get involved!
Let polluters pay!



“The science of climate change and the use of science-based predictions has, however, extended far from realm of science. If the predictions of climate change are fundamentally correct, then the change in the climate will impact every continent, every region, every nation, every person on Earth. If the attribution of climate change to the combustion of fossil fuels is correct, our use of energy and our economic success contribute directly to a changing climate. Therefore every component of human endeavor has a vested interest in the climate change problem. Therefore, every component of human endeavor has a vested interest in the predictions of environmental parameters and the uncertainties of those predictions.”


Helpful Reference(s):
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/urgentissues/global-warming-climate-change/threats-impacts/
http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=65CD73F4-1

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Bridging the Gap Through Language

As communication creeps on the terrain under our feet, the need for global language is inevitable. It must be understood by people everywhere. There is a language which is highly recognized around the world. English. Yes, it is.

"Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can't get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn't even matter." A quote from Gilbert Amelio. Before we could develop a skill, specifically on communication, we need to learn the language first.

Good communication is a primary factor on the success of a transaction. It is an important ingredient not only in business but also in terms of relationships around the world.

It estimated that more than 1 billion people speak the English language whether as a native language, or as foreign/secondary one. It has also become a language used by the majority of the countries today.

To make communication really global, we have to let the English language slither into our veins. We must practice the use of it every single day. Thus, number of mis-translations will be reduced. Communications between variety of culturees will be easier.

"English is the only language used in international air traffic control and is virtually the only language of a whole range of other activities from scientific research to pop music."

English might not be the bet of all tongues, but it sure is the best. So, hand in hand let’s make  communication be effective by utilizing and developing the English Language in our daily lives.

Different Yet Equal

In the eyes of the Lord, we are equal. We were born bestowed with the earthly blessings given by Him. There were no richer and poorer, stronger and weaker.

Equality is roughly about treating people fairly despites the circumstances that might hinder them with regards to relationships that takes cycle in the society.

Around the world, anywhere you go, anywhere you lay your eyes, inequality takes place. 

Be it in the case of Men and Women, skin colours, varying Nationalities, and also in business.

In the actual community we are living in, there are the so called grounds  which are said to be the bases of discrimination which elevates inequality. The first one is age. Situations on this case are seen mostly on job applications. They justify capabilities according to age, and it shouldn’t be. According to Equal Opportunity Policy, age diversity is appropriate and practicable. Another one is disability. Disabled people experience so much with this unjustified discrimination. They suffer not only due to their physical disability but also social disability which pertains to the attitude of people towards them. These attitudes then create margins or borders on the access of this disabled persons on full human rights.

The fact that gender is also tackled by discrimination can’t be escaped. Roles in the society were assigned different to men and women. But, it is a verity that different doesn’t mean unequal, and equality is not equivalent to likeness. Women are observed to be discriminated mostly on lifestyle and on job applications and they are more likely to experience economic disadvantage, violence, and alienation.

Those are just some of the cases visible straightaway in only few steps within the walls of our homes.

In business, there are some instances where clients are discriminated due to several reasons.

“We strive to earn the respect and confidence of our clients, customers and

suppliers and to maintain high standards for their benefit. We are

committed to treating them fairly and with dignity and respect, making

adjustments to support broader participation within the context of our objectives.”

(A statement from BRITISH COUNCIL  EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY) A must to implement on the thinking of every businessman.

The cry of equality is a form of corruption to the very concept of “rights” itself.  There are policies reprimanded to seek the rights of every individual. Everyone must enforce these to achieve the core objectives of such policies. Let’s not make individual differences be the reason for inequality.

We have every second, every minute, every hour and every day to restore sanity in the world where light is called darkness and darkness is mistaken for light.