Lowland's Own Begnas Fest

Have you seen the gargantuan kamas, karabasa and tilapia? Or have you sipped some sweet calamansi juice while munching on some “bagpao”(as in bagnet siopao). You see, the things I’ve seen in this festival were awesome. But wait! Kannawidan Festival still has something to unveil yet…..

From the fine-detailed edifice entrance, shiver may run down your spine. The artistically made arc only shows how the resourceful and ingenious Ilocanos are. Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is a festivity allotted for the lowland municipalities of Ilocos Sur. 18 municipalities and 2 cities from north to south of the province gathered up to showcase their one town, one product. It is similar to the festival of the upland municipalities called Begnas Ylocos Festival. This is annually held during the first week of February and the Ilocos Sur Capitol administers this festival.

Aside from mouth-watering dishes like the miki, arroz caldo, pipian and others they also offer indigenous products like the hand woven bags, intricate designed wooden furnitures and also the multi-colored clothes and fashionable hats.

Every stall you pass by, a certain municipality is designated and here you can see the pride of their town. I remember walking with my friends at the fair; we came across different excursionists who have this oh-my-golly-I’ve-never-seen-that-before-ever! expression in their faces.

Indeed, this Kannawidan Ylocos Festival unfolds the hidden treasures of every lowland municipality of Ilocandia. It attracts tourists from all around the globe to witness the flourishing trade, culture, industry and products of all hardworking Ilocanos. Surely in the imminent, this festival will be known not only here in our region but in all parts of the world.

Vavaboom Feast

It was a fair weather day and people in every corner of Vigan fled to the heart of the city to witness the annual event. Youngsters, senior citizens, passers by-- all of them gathered up. January 25 was the day everyone's been waiting for and when the siren started to fill the busy streets of Vigan , the mammoth crowd came into life and the fete had began.

The Grand parade is being held every city fiesta and it is one of the most sought-after event of the people of Vigan and its neighboring locales.It is to commemorate the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle( formerly known as Saul), the patron saint of Vigan. Here, all government sects, students from different institutions, educators, officials, business stakeholders came to join and celebrate.

One thing I can't forget about January 25th was the role that I played for the very first time. I neither wore a flashy abel yloco dress while my waving my hand at the people on a gigantic float nor the beauty queen of a certain popularity contest in a colorful maquillage; it was something more respected though.

For the very first time I participated in the parade with our school's CAT-I Unit. In my complete uniform, with all the paraphernalias( i.e. maroon neckerchief, white gloves, sword etc.), I could say I look more dignified. :) And it was an experience wherein I and my colleagues can prove that our unit is the best among the others. Well, being one of the front runners and one of those who belong in th corps staff, it was really something that I'm really very proud of.

Then, the parade came to its end and the mammoth crowd already dispersed. People were able to continue their routine that day.However, I can say that at the end of that day, we were able to perceive plenty praises and compliments from the viewers and from other schools.

It was, in retrospect, the happiest day of my life. And you know what, January 25, 2011 was one noteworthy date for me.

It's a Tough One...

Balancing your academics and extra-curricular activities isn’t always that simple. Who says it would be easy? You must attend different trainings and workshops in various subjects and at the same time you must cope up with your missed classes. I’m not Superwoman, I can’t do two things at the same time.

The start of third quarter was smooth but after a week it got worse. Why? I, together with my other comrades practiced for an intermission number for the Opening of Vigan City Meet last December 2. Then, it was followed by our review for the Physics Quiz in the Science and Technology Day held at our school in the same month. Lastly, I attended the Division Workshop for Campus Journalists and also the Regional Schools Press Conference which was held at Pangasinan. Undoubtedly, this grading period is one of the toughest quarters I’ve ever had in the past 3 years.

I was out for the whole quarter and sad to say I didn’t learn much from our lessons because of my absence. Good to know that I was able to finish my activities and our Webpage Design. Fortunately, I still learned some tips in making a Webpage and how to enhance it. Thanks to my classmates!

Moving on, for the last quarter in my high school life I must listen more and lessen my ECA for me to get a higher grade in ICT IV. Moreover, I will do my best to enter my classes to be able to finish my requirements in no time.

An Offbeat Comeback

Talking dolls, fairy tale books, happy meals—these are the things I always fancied when I was a child. I always wanted to have battery operated toys but all I can have in those times were pieces of paper dolls. But that was decades ago, Pam has grown bigger and became more mature now.

I grew up holding with my simple dream and that is to become a gold medalist. I no longer yearn for those toys I favored before. My eyes were finally opened and my understanding about crucial things in life became broader. I did my best to pursue with my studies. I stand up when I stumble on my way. My determination keeps on igniting and my focus was to reach the goal that I had set.

However, the time came for me to make the most vital decision in my life and that is to choose my future career. This decision is neither for my parents nor for my friends, it’s all about me no more, no less.

As 2011 started, I already have chosen my career. I want to become a Doctor. It was hard for me to decide but I was never influenced by any one. I did it all by myself alone. Even though I will not graduate with flying colors, at least I gave the best that I can give. Nevertheless, 2010 may not be my breakthrough year in either academics or ECA, I know 2011 has more for me and I won’t let the opportunities pass me by…

No more talking dolls and fairytales. I need to prioritize more important things and one of it is to graduate in college. No more happy-go-lucky…I need to become more serious with my studies for me to fulfill my dreams.

2011 is a new year for me to have a different outlook in life. 2011 would be my breakthrough year!

What the word 'CHRISTMAS' means to me...

Kathy received a pair of prada shoes whereas Nathan got a guess shirt. Nixon wanted a new set of Wii and had it last Christmas. Thea's jaw dropped for her friends gave her a Red Dot cocktail dress. Marie and Claire hopped out the box when their parents bought them a new Asus laptop. What branded things they have received this Christmas, however, its brand is not the thing that matters...

Christmas isn't Christmas without Christmas party. And during this times, students would want something good. Good enough for them to satisfy their cravings. Well, who wouldn't want expensive and branded things for Christmas? It might be the best Christmas gift ever!

When we receive something good, we would all be like a hippy-happy jumping with joy and all. However, when we receive something that is not-so-good we tend to let sadness in our hearts.When I was a kid, there were times when I was obsessed with gifts. I would want everything for Christmas. I usually open my gifts as fast as I could as soon as i received them. And it has been a lot of times that frown's been plastered on my face and I would give a staggering fierce glare to the one who had given me that not-so-good gift.

But now is different. A lot more different than that of before. I was able to apprehend the simple yet true meaning of Christmas. It is neither about the material things nor the brands. How much it costs,its size or how the gift was perfectly done with wrappings and trimmings, all of it doesn't matter.

It is all about appreciating simple things or deeds and still finding happiness from it.

Even how cheap that gift is, at least someone hadn't forgotten you all this time. Even how small that gift is, at least someone out there has a big heart to give you that one. And its Christmas, my dear. Giving implies more than receiving.

If you received something not-so-good this Christmas, try to see what's behind it. It's like reading between the lines, you know. And when you've found what is behind that gift , surely you will be shocked for you will find something abstract. You can't see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. Something a person cannot physically interact with.

So, you tell me what you've found and I'll tell you mine.

Magandang Pagsasamahan tungo sa Maayos at Maunlad na Lipunan

Ionic Bond. A type of special bond that binds metals and non-metals. Similarly, it is the bond that binds diverse people into one single complex mass.

People nowadays, forget the true essence of mingling to other human beings. Some are self-centered and selfish while others don't mind their neighbors at all. But that should not be...

I remember during the Mass Induction wherein the EMCEE's quoted that "Teamwork is the ability to work together towards a common vision or dream. With teamwork we can achieve our goals as our individual experiences added together, gives us power to attain success. It is the FUEL that allows young people like us to attain uncommon results". Upon hearing that meaningful quote I realized everything's possible if we will all work together hand in hand.

If we value the relationship that exists between us human beings, we would all be united. And by having constant communication and relationship with our neighbors, our goal is not impossible.

If we will play our role in the ecosystem, ours would reach the state of equilibrium. We should always have a tight grip on that bond that binds us all into one.

And to finally end this, always inculcate good values and by loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. Remember that our goal-- to have a peaceful, orderly and progressive community requires not only the interference of a man but of all the creations of God.

I believe that it is attainable and we are few steps achieving it.

A Tiresome Break

Semestral Break Plan:

A dip in the pool
A trip to the spa
shopping at malls
sipping iced tea while having a movie marathon
island getaway

What a relaxing week if I did these stuffs. Endless days in my chase with pleasure and the whole world according to moi!
A screeching sound was made and i woke up from my dream. I was quite frustrated for it was just a petty dream. I lazily got up from my bed went straight to the kitchen, ate my breakfast, freshened up and i hopped in to go to school. It's just 8 am. That was my routine last semestral break. I volunteered to join the dance troupe for the Twilight Festival. And guess what? It was fun practicing the steps for the showdown and the street dance because we played the role of hungry zombies.
For the first time, my bones were awakened. It was an experience that I could never forget. My companions and I were enjoying the whole week laughing, eating, sweating and banging. But when the day of the competition arrived, I was expecting that we will not win due t0 the fact that the other contingents performance were better than ours. For me, it's just okay at least we have tried our best to come up with the most creative performance we could ever have.

When the 'todos los santos' arrived, I offered flowers and lit candles to the tomb of my demise relatives. I also silently uttered a short prayer for them.
Our semestral break was over! Indeed it was tiresome but it was loaded with so much fun. till next time...