Valerie

Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Philippines, comes alive every January with the vibrant celebration of the Longganisa Festival. This event is held to commemorate the city’s anniversary of cityhood and coincides with the town fiesta honoring its patron saint, St. Paul the Apostle. The festival serves as a grand tribute to Vigan's most famous culinary export: the plump, garlicky, and slightly sour native sausage known as longganisa. For the people of Vigan, or Bigueños, this is not just a food fair but a deep expression of their historical identity and local pride. The streets of the historic district, particularly the famous cobblestoned Calle Crisologo, become the stage for the festival's most exhilarating activities. The highlight is undoubtedly the Longganisa street dancing competition, where participants from various schools and districts perform in elaborate, colorful costumes often adorned with replicas of the sausage. Performers balance bilaos (native tray...

Jose Rizal is often called the "face of the Philippines" because he provided the intellectual spark that ignited the country's quest for independence. While he was a doctor, poet, and linguist, his greatest contribution was awakening the sense of national identity among Filipinos. Before Rizal, the archipelago was a collection of divided islands; through his writings, he helped the people realize they were one nation with a shared struggle against colonial oppression. ​His most powerful tools were his two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These books did not use weapons to fight, but rather "truth." By exposing the corruption of the Spanish friars and the injustices of the colonial government, Rizal forced Filipinos to see the reality of their situation. These stories acted as a mirror, showing the people their own dignity and the need for peaceful but firm reform. ​Beyond his books, Rizal’s contribution lies in his moral example. He believed that f...

Christmas, for me, truly begins with faith. Every year, my family and I make it a point to attend Simbang Gabi, a tradition that reminds us of the real meaning of the season. Waking up early, praying together, and reflecting on the birth of Christ helps set the tone of Christmas—not as a celebration of excess, but as a season of hope, humility, and gratitude. Through this tradition, I am reminded that Christmas is first and foremost about God’s love for humanity. This year, Christmas became even more meaningful when we went caroling, something I experienced for the first time in almost a decade. What struck me the most was how people, even those who seemed to have very little, still chose to give. Whether it was coins, food, or simple smiles, their generosity showed that giving does not depend on wealth. This experience made me realize that Christmas is truly the season of giving, where kindness comes from the heart, not from abundance. Celebrating Christmas with family and God com...

The Philippines is home to many beautiful indigenous groups, and every October, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month. This year’s theme, "Weaving Culture, Enriching Future," reminds us that the traditions of our indigenous brothers and sisters are the foundation of who we are as Filipinos. It is a time to look back at our history and make sure these vibrant cultures are protected for the next generation. ​To "weave culture" means more than just making clothes; it means keeping stories, languages, and rituals alive. Our indigenous communities have so much wisdom to share, especially about how to take care of nature. By listening to them and respecting their rights to their land, we are making our country stronger. They are the true guardians of our forests and mountains, and their way of life teaches us how to live in harmony with the earth. ​As we celebrate this month, let us remember that supporting indigenous people is a way of honoring our own roots. Wh...

  Elpidio Rivera Quirino (1890–1956), the sixth President of the Philippines, rose from humble beginnings to the nation's highest office, presiding over the crucial and difficult task of reconstructing the country in the aftermath of World War II. Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, he was a true self-made man, working as a barrio teacher and clerk to fund his education. After completing his studies at Manila High School, Quirino earned his law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1915 and passed the bar examination the same year. This strong foundation in law and an early career as a private secretary to future Senate President Manuel L. Quezon prepared him for a life dedicated to public service. Quirino's political career advanced steadily through the legislative and executive branches.  He began as a Congressman for Ilocos Sur in 1919 and was later elected as a Senator. His influence grew significantly as he participated in the 1934 Philippine independence mission to Was...

     ​ This year’s National Children’s Month in November (2025) has a very important 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 is a call for action. Simply put, we must stop people from hurting our children through the internet. Sadly, our country, the Philippines, is known as a place where these digital crimes happen often. This month is a time for all of us—parents, teachers, and leaders—to think about how we can best keep our kids safe, both online and in real life. Protecting a child’s right to be safe and respected is the most important job we have. ​      The government has put up a big defense called Republic Act No. 11930. You can think of this as a new, strong shield against digital abuse. My view is that this law is a huge step forward. It makes the Philippines a leader in protecting children. The law makes puni...