Vigan: Ti Siudad Ti Nasantuan a Daan

 The Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur is one of those places that instantly makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. As you walk along its cobblestone streets and see the old Spanish-style houses, it’s easy to imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago. The sound of the horse-drawn kalesa, the warm smiles of the locals, and the gentle breeze that carries the scent of history — everything about Vigan feels magical.

Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its incredible preservation of Spanish colonial architecture. The most famous spot here is Calle Crisologo, a charming street filled with ancestral homes, souvenir shops, and cafés. It’s a place where the past and present come together — where history lives side by side with modern life. 

All around the city, there’s something worth discovering. The Bantay Bell Tower gives you a stunning view of Vigan, especially during sunset. The Syquia Mansion and Crisologo Museum tell stories of the people who helped shape this city’s history. And when night falls, the Vigan Dancing Fountain lights up the sky, bringing smiles and laughter to everyone watching at Plaza Salcedo.

Vigan is also a city of tradition and craftsmanship. In Pagburnayan, you can see how skilled potters shape clay into jars using techniques that have been passed down through generations. You can also visit weaving centers where locals create Abel Iloko, a handwoven fabric known for its beauty and strength. These crafts are not just souvenirs — they’re living pieces of culture. 

And of course, you can’t visit Vigan without tasting its food. The crispy bagnet, flavorful longganisa, and the famous Vigan empanada are must-tries. Each dish tells a story — a story of family, culture, and the Ilocano love for food made with patience and heart.

But beyond all the sights and flavors, what truly makes Vigan special is its people. They’re kind, hardworking, and proud of their heritage. They remind us that progress doesn’t mean forgetting where you came from — it means honoring your past while moving forward.

The Heritage City of Vigan isn’t just a tourist spot; it’s a living memory of who we are as Filipinos. It’s a place that reminds us to appreciate our history, celebrate our culture, and carry our stories with pride.

My Human Chatgpt

Happy Teacher’s Day

There are some people in life who leave a lasting mark on us not because of what they gave us, or what they expected in return but because of how they made us feel. Because of who they were when we needed someone to believe in us, to guide us, to listen. Teachers are those people. And today is about you.

From the outside, a classroom might look like just desks, whiteboards, and lesson plans. But anyone who’s ever been taught by a real teacher knows it’s so much more than that. It’s where confidence is built. It’s where mistakes are welcomed and turned into growth. It’s where students are seen, heard, and valued for who they are — not just for how they perform. Behind every lesson you’ve ever planned, every hour you’ve stayed up late marking papers, every moment you’ve paused to check in on a student — there’s love. Quiet, patient, steady love for what you do and who you do it for. And the thing is, most people will never fully see the sacrifices teachers make. They won’t see the weekends spent preparing, the moments of doubt you carry in silence, the emotional weight of caring for dozens of students who each need something different. But we see enough to say, from the bottom of our hearts: thank you.

Thank you for choosing this path even though it’s one of the hardest.
Thank you for showing up, even on days when it feels like no one notices.
Thank you for giving your time, your energy, your patience — your heart.

You’ve taught us far more than what’s written in textbooks. You’ve taught us how to think critically, how to treat others with kindness, how to get back up after we fall. You’ve shown us what it looks like to keep showing up, to keep trying, to keep believing — even when things don’t go as planned. There’s something incredibly special about a teacher who can look past grades, test scores, and behavior, and still see the human behind it all. That’s you. You saw us when we didn’t know how to ask for help. You gave us chances when we didn’t deserve them. You pushed us to be better — not just smarter, but stronger, kinder, and more capable of facing the world.

And maybe we didn’t say it enough. Maybe we were too caught up in growing up to stop and tell you what a difference you made. But know this: the lessons you’ve taught, the support you’ve given, the belief you’ve shown — they stay with us. Long after the school bell rings for the last time. Long after we move on. Because of you, we know a little more about who we are. Because of you, we believe we can do more than we once thought we could. Because of you, we’re braver — and more ready for the road ahead..

Happy Teacher’s Day to all Teachers!

Science: Lighting the Path to the Unknown

Science is like a key that helps us open doors to things we don’t yet understand. The 2025 National Science Month theme, “Harnessing the Unknown: Powering the Future through Science and Innovation,” reminds us that the unknown isn’t something to be afraid of—it’s something we can explore and learn from. With every discovery, science gives us new ways to make life better and prepare for the future.

Science and society have always been connected. Whenever people face new challenges—whether in health, technology, or the environment—science steps in with solutions. We’ve seen this in many ways: medicines that save lives, technology that connects us to people around the world, and clean energy that helps protect our planet.

 In the years ahead, science will continue to help us deal with big issues like climate change, pandemics, and the need for sustainable resources. But science also comes with responsibility. If it is used without care, it can create problems like inequality or harm to the environment. 

That’s why society needs to make sure science is guided by fairness, ethics, and sustainability. With the right policies and education, scientific progress can benefit everyone—not just a few.

At the same time, science is a source of inspiration. National Science Month is a chance to spark curiosity, especially among the youth. When students see how science can solve real problems, they are encouraged to think critically, be creative, and dream of contributing to a better world. The theme invites all of us, no matter how small our role, to take part in exploring the unknown.

In the end, science is about hope and empowerment. It gives us the tools to face challenges with confidence and turn uncertainties into opportunities. This year’s celebration reminds us that the unknown is not a wall but a doorway—to a brighter, fairer, and more sustainable future for everyone.

 

Climate Change: A Global Crisis of Our Time

 

One of the biggest issues facing Filipinos today is still climate change. As an archipelago, the Philippines is extremely susceptible to both gradual changes like rising sea levels and rising global temperatures as well as unexpected calamities like earthquakes and typhoons. 

In addition to the nation's natural resources, millions of families' livelihoods, safety, and health are also at risk due to these environmental changes.

Human activities play a major role in driving these environmental changes. The burning of fossil fuels, improper waste disposal, and large-scale deforestation greatly contribute to global warming and the degradation of ecosystems. In the Philippines, these disruptions increase the risks of stronger typhoons, flooding, and prolonged droughts. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable communities often bear the heaviest burden, as they have limited resources to recover quickly from such disasters.

BURNING OF FOSSIL FUELS

 

IMPROPER WASTE DISPOSAL

DEFORESTATION

Filipinos continue to be incredibly resilient in spite of these difficulties. Following disasters, communities band together to support one
and rebuild their lives with resiliency and hope. 

This fortitude, which has its roots in bayanihan (community spirit),

demonstrates how well the Filipino people can adjust to adversity. But resilience shouldn't be the sole answer; increased local and international climate action, catastrophe preparedness, and sustainable practices are all urgently needed.

In the end, climate change is unavoidable, we can lessen its impacts if we act now. Sustainable living, renewable energy support, and environmental protection are not just obligations but also needs. We can improve our towns and environment for future generations if every Filipino makes a contribution.

Intramurals

Intramurals 2025: A Day to Remember

The day started really early. My alarm rang at 4:30 in the morning, and I remember lying in bed still half-asleep, asking myself why I had to wake up so soon. But then I remembered—it was for Jillian. Together with my friends, we helped Jillian Bilgera get ready for her big moment. We fixed her hair, adjusted her gown, and made sure she looked her best. It felt good to know we were there for her, not just as helpers but as friends who believed in her.

When Jillian finally walked on stage, she looked so beautiful and confident. The crowd went silent for a second, and then everything turned loud when her name was called as Ms. Intramurals 2025.

We screamed so hard, hugged each other, and even cried. That victory wasn’t just hers, it felt like it was ours too.

Later that day, we went to the DANCESPORT

competition to cheer for our friends Emman Bañez and Aleina Abonita. The moment they stepped on the floor, the crowd clapped and cheered. When the music started, they moved with so much confidence and grace that it gave me goosebumps. We shouted their names, clapped until our hands were red, and smiled the whole time. 

Watching them dance made me so proud because I knew how much courage it took to perform in front of everyone.

The next day, we went to the football field. The sun was setting and the sky was painted in soft orange and pink. The players were running nonstop, kicking the ball with so much energy, and never giving up even when they were tired. Every time the ball got close to the goal, my heart raced. And when a point was scored, the crowd went wild. I shouted as loud as I could, almost as if I was part of the team.

Two days after the intramurals ended, we went back for the volleyball game. The gym was filled with excitement. You could hear the squeak of shoes on. the floor, the thud of the ball, and the cheers of the crowd. 

Right in the middle of it all was my best friend Karl. When it was all over, I started to think about everything that happened. At first, I felt a little left out because I did not join any of the games. 

I wasn’t on stage, I wasn’t on the field, I wasn’t holding a ball. But then I realized that being part of the intramurals isn’t only about playing. It is also about showing up, cheering for your friends, and celebrating their wins as if they were your own.

I may not have competed, but I was there when Jillian wore her crown, I was there when Emman and Aleina danced their hearts out, I was there when the football players gave their all, and I was there when Karl ruled the volleyball court. Those moments made me feel like I truly belonged.

In the end, intramurals taught me that sometimes, the most important role you can play is to support, to cheer, and to keep the memories close. And for me, that will always be something unforgettable.

A Letter to the President

 

Dear Mr. President,

I’ll be honest with you, Mr. President—this letter is not just a thank you, but also a cry of frustration. Yes, I will admit that you have helped a lot of people. I cannot deny that there are programs and projects that made a difference. But at the same time, I cannot close my eyes to the fact that many people are still suffering, and it feels like their cries are being ignored. It feels unfair that while some are helped, others are left behind, and as the leader of our country, you should see everyone, not just the ones who cheer for you.

What hurts me the most is the confidence I see in your leadership—not the kind of confidence that inspires, but the kind that feels careless. It feels like you believe people will continue to support you no matter what, simply because you had 31 million votes. But my question is, are they still supporting you now? Votes are not permanent loyalty. Those 31 million people are not just numbers—they are real lives with real struggles, and some of them are starting to ask if they made the right choice.

I’m angry because leadership is not about being comfortable on the throne, it’s about facing the uncomfortable truth: that many Filipinos still wake up hungry, that workers are still underpaid, that students like me feel uncertain about our future. And yet, instead of urgency, what I see is a leader who is too sure of himself, as if the support of millions during the election is enough to last a lifetime. But it’s not. Respect and trust must be earned every single day.

You might not know this, but you became one of the reasons why I want to become a lawyer. Not because I want to follow your footsteps, but because I want to make sure people’s voices are heard when leaders fail to listen. Your leadership taught me a hard lesson: that silence in the face of suffering is dangerous, and that justice should never be optional. I want to be someone who fights for people who feel abandoned, because no Filipino deserves to feel invisible in their own country.

So yes, thank you—for the help you’ve given, but also for opening my eyes. Thank you for making me realize that I don’t want to lead with overconfidence, but with compassion. Thank you for teaching me, even through anger, that our country needs leaders who care about all Filipinos, not just the ones counted in the millions of votes.

I am just one student, but I refuse to stay silent. And I hope one day, you will look beyond the numbers and see the faces, the voices, and the lives that are still waiting for true change.

Thematic

 

Small Acts, Big Change

The day began with us preparing the materials that would help us make a change—because proper preparation makes the work lighter and more organized

Inside the barangay hall, we cleaned with care—showing that cleanliness begins within the spaces where people gather

Trimming the overgrown grass, we saw how small actions can bring a big difference, making the area safer and more pleasant for everyone

Divided into two groups, we worked as one—proving that teamwork speeds up the work and teaches cooperation.

In the south part of our barangay, our hands worked while our hearts served, contributing to a healthier and more welcoming environment.

We gathered together, riding the bike and motor provided, showing resourcefulness in reaching areas that also needed attention

Arriving at another location, our energy did not fade—expanding our service meant more places benefited from cleanliness.

We ended the day with pride as we submitted our signed papers, proof that our simple service contributed to unity, discipline, and responsibility.

Small acts of cleaning and caring for our environment may seem simple, but they create a lasting impact on our community and the Earth. Every small effort, like picking up trash or planting greenery, contributes to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. When we work together, these little actions grow into big changes that protect our planet for the next generations.