A Living Legacy of the Past

 A Living Legacy of the Past

The Heritage City of Vigan, located in the province of Ilocos Sur, is one of the most well-preserved examples of a Spanish colonial town in Asia. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Vigan is famous for its cobblestone streets, centuries-old stone houses, and blend of Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish architectural influences. Walking through Calle Crisologo, the city’s most iconic street, feels like stepping back in time—with its antique houses, horse-drawn kalesas (carriages), and quaint shops selling local crafts and delicacies.

As a tourist destination, Vigan offers visitors the opportunity to experience both its rich history and vibrant culture. The Syquia Mansion Museum and Crisologo Museum showcase the lives of prominent Ilocano families, while the Vigan Cathedral and Plaza Salcedo highlight the city’s religious and historical significance. Tourists can also visit Pagburnayan, where local artisans demonstrate the traditional art of pottery-making, and sample famous local dishes such as Vigan longganisa, empanada, and bagnet.

Vigan’s charm lies in its status as a Heritage City, located in Ilocos Sur, and is one of Asia’s best-preserved Spanish colonial towns, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Known for its cobblestone streets and centuries-old stone houses, Vigan showcases a unique blend of Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish architectural influences.

Walking along Calle Crisologo, the city's most iconic street, feels like stepping back in time. Antique houses and horse-drawn kalesas create a charming atmosphere, while quaint shops offer local crafts and delightful delicacies. Notable landmarks such as St. Paul Cathedral and the Burgos Museum reflect Vigan’s rich history.

In the evenings, lanterns illuminate the streets, inviting visitors to enjoy the blend of cultural experiences. Vigan is a living museum, making it a must-visit destination for those eager to explore the Philippines’ vibrant heritage. it preserves its heritage while embracing modern tourism. The city’s efforts in maintaining its architectural integrity and cultural traditions make it not only a symbol of the Philippines’ colonial past but also a living, thriving community. Its unique combination of history, culture, and hospitality continues to draw both local and international visitors, making it one of the most beloved destinations in the country.

References:

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (1999). Historic City of Vigan. 

• Department of Tourism Philippines. (2024). Discover Vigan City: A Journey Through Time.

• Vigan City Government. (2024). Official Tourism Guide.

Unsung Heroes

Unsung Heroes

The theme for the 2025 Teacher’s Month Celebration, “My Teacher, My Hero,” beautifully captures the essence of what teachers represent in our lives. Teachers are not just educators—they are mentors, guides, and role models who shape our values and help build our future. Like heroes, they make countless sacrifices behind the scenes, often going beyond their duties just to ensure that students receive not only quality education but also support and encouragement when we need it most.

Throughout my academic journey, I have witnessed how teachers dedicate their time, energy, and even personal resources to make learning meaningful and accessible. They remain patient even when students struggle and continuously look for new ways to make lessons more engaging. Especially during challenging times, like the shift to blended learning or dealing with personal struggles among students, our teachers continue to serve with compassion and commitment. Their efforts remind me that true heroes don’t wear capes—they show up every day in classrooms, driven by a purpose to make a difference.

To express my gratitude, I take every opportunity to thank my teachers personally, whether through simple notes, greetings, or acts of kindness during Teacher’s Month. I also show my respect by listening attentively in class, submitting my work on time, and trying my best in all subjects—because I believe the best way to honor a teacher’s hard work is by becoming a responsible and eager learner. During Teacher’s Month, participating in school tributes, performances, or writing letters of appreciation is also one way I show how much I value their efforts.

In conclusion, the Teacher’s Month Celebration serves as a reminder for us to pause and appreciate the heroes who help shape who we are becoming. Teachers truly deserve to be celebrated not just for the knowledge they share, but for the lives they transform every day. Their influence lasts far beyond the classroom, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Reference:
Department of Education. (2025). National Teachers' Month 2025 Theme and Guidelines. Retrieved from www.deped.gov.ph

Unveiling the Unknown

 Unveiling the Unknown

The 2025 National Science Month Celebration, with the theme “Harnessing the Unknown: Powering the Future through Science and Innovation,” highlights the vital role of science in shaping a better and more sustainable world. This theme reminds us that science is not only about discovering new things but also about using knowledge and creativity to solve real-life problems. As technology rapidly evolves, science continues to push the boundaries of what we know, helping us understand the unknown and transforming ideas into innovations that improve lives.

Science and society are deeply connected. Every scientific discovery influences how people live, communicate, and interact with the world. In the coming decades, innovations in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and space exploration will continue to reshape our daily lives. However, as science advances, society also has the responsibility to use it ethically and wisely. The relationship between science and society should always be guided by a shared goal—to promote progress that benefits humanity and protects our planet.

As young learners, we are part of this journey toward a science-driven future. By being curious, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens, we can contribute to innovations that solve the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to global health. The celebration of Science Month encourages us to value not only scientific knowledge but also the people and communities who use it to make the world a better place. Truly, science and innovation are the forces that will power our future—one discovery at a time.

Reference:
Department of Science and Technology (DOST). (2025). National Science and Technology Week and National Science Month Celebration. Retrieved from https://www.dost.gov.ph

Building A Better Version of Myself

 Building A Better Version of Myself

During the second quarter, I gained several important learnings both inside and outside the classroom. Academically, I discovered more effective ways to study and manage my time, especially when preparing for quizzes and long exams. I also became more engaged in class discussions, which helped me understand the lessons more deeply, particularly in subjects like Math and Science. Aside from academics, I learned the importance of self-discipline and consistency—two things that have helped me stay on track even when I felt tired or distracted.

However, this quarter wasn’t without its challenges. One major problem I faced was balancing my academic responsibilities with personal and extracurricular activities. There were times when deadlines piled up, and I found myself feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Group projects also proved difficult at times due to conflicting schedules and differences in work habits. These challenges tested my patience and time management skills.

To overcome these challenges, I created a personal schedule to keep track of tasks and assignments. I started breaking bigger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, which helped reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. I also made an effort to communicate better with my groupmates and classmates, so we could collaborate more efficiently. Most importantly, I learned to ask for help when I needed it—whether from teachers, friends, or family—which made a big difference in my ability to cope.

Moving forward, I plan to build on the progress I’ve made by continuing to develop good habits like staying organized and managing my time wisely. I will also focus on maintaining a healthy balance between schoolwork and rest, knowing that both are important. As I enter the next quarter, I am more confident and motivated to keep improving, both academically and personally.

References: Personal experiences from Quarter 2 school activities and feedback from teachers. No external sources used.

Voices of Resilience

VOICES OF RESILIENCE

Author: Amy Pope

On World Environment Day 2021, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines took a meaningful step by launching a report titled "Framing the Human Narrative of Migration in the Context of Climate Change." This report paints a vivid picture of the struggles many Filipinos face as they navigate the challenges posed by climate change, despite the fact that the Philippines contributes very little to the global climate crisis. 

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Ranked second in the 2020 Climate Risk Index, the Philippines is on the front lines of climate change, experiencing increasingly severe weather events that disrupt lives and livelihoods. The report explores how these environmental changes drive people to migrate, revealing that issues like job security, peace, and stability at home strongly influence their decisions to stay or leave. It highlights a crucial distinction: planned migration can be a lifeline and a proactive step towards a more stable future, while unplanned migration often stems from despair when communities can no longer cope with the increasing threats of climate disasters.

What's particularly heart-wrenching is the impact on our most vulnerable neighbors—farmers, fisherfolk, the urban poor, older adults, and women—who bear the brunt of these changes. A staggering 80% of those displaced are women, highlighting the urgent need for policies that not only recognize their challenges but also actively support their empowerment.

The launch event drew a crowd of over 500 individuals, turning the spotlight on this vital issue. During the gathering, the United Nations Resident Coordinator shared heartfelt remarks, emphasizing the necessity for urgent action. The atmosphere was charged with determination as participants engaged in discussions about how to tackle the impact of climate change, reinforcing the idea that we are all in this together.

As we look to the future, we must prioritize the voices and needs of those who are most affected by climate change. This means listening to women, farmers, and fisherfolk, learning from their experiences, and crafting policies that truly address their struggles. By centering their perspectives, we can build a more resilient society that not only protects but also uplifts everyone, especially those who are most at risk.

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The insights from this report are more than just data; they are a stirring reminder of our shared humanity and the urgent need for collective action. We must embrace this opportunity to rethink how we approach migration and climate change, focusing on empowering communities and preserving livelihoods. In doing so, we can ensure that every individual has the chance to thrive, finding not only safety but hope in their ever-evolving journey. Together, we can foster solutions that protect the dignity and potential of every person, creating a future where no one is left behind in the face of climate challenges.

The launch event, attended by over 500 people, marked an important step in raising awareness about the intersection of climate change and migration. The United Nations Resident Coordinator's opening remarks set the tone for a thoughtful discussion on the need for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by climate change. As the Philippines continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the report's findings and recommendations will be crucial in shaping policies that support vulnerable populations.

Moving forward, it's essential to prioritize the needs of those most affected by climate change, including women, farmers, and fisherfolk. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more resilient and adaptive society that supports the well-being of all individuals, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

WEBSITE: 

https://www.iom.int/news/climate-change-adaptation-and-community-resilience-philippines

REFERENCES: 

• Climate Change Commission “IOM Report: Climate change drives more Filipinos to migrate”
• Philippine Information Agency “IOM Ph reports migration as a resilience strategy to climate impacts for Filipinos”
• Manila Bulletin “Climate change spurs ‘adaptive’ migration in PH – IOM report”

Victory and Valor

 Victory and Valor

Watching the intramurals this year was an exhilarating experience filled with energy and teamwork, as the atmosphere buzzed with students cheering for their teams, embodying school spirit and unity. I felt fortunate to be involved more deeply, admiring the athletes' determination across various sports like basketball, volleyball, badminton, and track and field. The sounds of sneakers, spikes, and cheers created an infectious excitement, while the seamless teamwork showcased the importance of collaboration. Despite the competitive spirit, mutual respect among participants highlighted that intramurals were about pushing limits, learning, and building memories. As the finals approached, the excitement peaked, culminating in an electrifying atmosphere during the closing ceremony, where awards were celebrated for outstanding athletes and teams. Overall, this event reminded me of the joy of community and friendly competition, leaving me inspired for future intramurals.

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Being in the crowd allowed me to share the highs and lows of the games and athletes, celebrating every victory and sympathizing with every loss. The passion of the athletes inspired me and reminded me how powerful teamwork and perseverance can be. It's truly fascinating to see how each team can get all riled up to be the top, giving all their strength, ability, and power just to push the team to victory.  At the same time, I had the important responsibility of serving as one of the medics for the athletes. This role gave me a different perspective on the event. While others were focused on the games, I had to stay alert and ready for any injuries or emergencies. It was both challenging and rewarding to know that I had a part in ensuring the safety of the players. It taught me discipline, responsibility, and quick decision-making, which are essential in moments when every second counts. It can be nerve-racking to treat injured players while trying to calm them down, though we managed to do our job well. There were instances when athletes got cramps, sprains, or minor injuries, and that was when I truly realized the importance of being a medic. Assisting them and providing first aid made me feel useful and proud. It wasn’t just about watching the games anymore; it was about supporting the athletes in a very real way. Being able to help and see them return to the game or recover gave me a sense of fulfillment that cheering from the sidelines alone couldn’t provide.

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Overall, my intramural experience was truly unforgettable, allowing me to enjoy the excitement of the games as a spectator while taking on the serious responsibility of a medic. This dual role revealed both the joy of sports and the critical behind-the-scenes work that ensures safety and success at events. I discovered the immense value of teamwork among athletes and the dedicated individuals who support them, reinforcing how every role is vital to creating a safe and enjoyable environment. This involvement enriched my appreciation for sportsmanship and left me with lasting memories and a renewed commitment to supporting my peers in their athletic endeavors.

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The Cleaner Today, The Greener Tomorrow.

 DO MORE, TALK LESS

Clean-Up Drive

This photo shows us actively engaged in cleaning our surroundings. 

This reflects community cleanliness, teamwork, and care for nature, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and green environment in our Barangay. 

No matter the environment, it's our duty to take care and clean mother nature. God created this world, we promised him to take care of his creations and the gifts that he has given us in order to survive.

 

One simple broom can make a BIG CHANGE for our environment. Simple yet helpful, small actions like sweeping and removing waste can create a healthier, greener, and brighter world for us.

The more who cares the GREATER the impact.

Taking part in community clean-up drives is an essential effort that supports the creation of a healthier and more sustainable environment. These activities help minimize pollution, curb the spread of diseases, and safeguard natural resources by clearing waste from neighborhoods, public areas, and waterways. In addition to their environmental impact, clean-up drives promote social responsibility and encourage unity, as members of the community come together to work toward a shared purpose. Such initiatives not only improve cleanliness and safety but also serve as a model for others to practice environmental stewardship. Ultimately, community clean-up drives play a crucial role in enhancing public well-being and preserving a clean, green environment for generations to come.

It’s Only The Beginning

 As the first quarter of the school year ends, I can’t help but look back at everything I’ve gone through these past weeks. Honestly, it feels like it went by so fast, yet at the same time, it was full of challenges that tested my patience, discipline, and determination.

At the beginning, I was excited but also nervous. I didn’t know what to expect from my teachers, my subjects, or even from myself. There were days when I felt motivated and ready to give my best, but there were also days when I felt tired, stressed, and tempted to give up. Balancing schoolwork, personal responsibilities, and even my own well-being was not always easy.

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New school year, new classroom, new friends. It's hard for me to adjust to a new environment every year. Though this year was different, it usually takes me like 3-4 months to get used to the new environment, but something about this years batch is different. I start to consider Marconi as my home.

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One of the biggest lessons I learned this quarter is that effort really matters. Even when I made mistakes or didn’t get the score I wanted, I realized that what’s important is to keep trying and not let one failure define me. I also discovered that time management is something I still need to improve. There were moments when procrastination got the best of me, and I ended up cramming, which made me more stressed. But at the same time, those struggles taught me what I should change moving forward.

Another thing I’m grateful for is the support of my classmates and teachers. Whenever lessons got too difficult, having people to ask for help made things lighter. I also appreciated the small wins, like finishing a tough project, answering in class, or just understanding a lesson I first thought was impossible. These little victories reminded me that growth doesn’t always happen all at once—it happens slowly, step by step.

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Started to make new friends that I would love to grow old with. May our bond never break us apart. I realized, as I get older, that the harder it is for me to make new friends. Though that's not a problem since, knowing me, I can be a bit of an extrovert.

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Looking ahead to the next quarter, I want to improve not just in academics but also in my attitude. I want to be more disciplined, avoid procrastination, and be more confident in myself. I know it won’t be perfect, but I believe I can do better if I stay consistent and committed.

Overall, this first quarter was a mix of struggles and growth, stress and learning, failures and small successes. And even though it wasn’t easy, I’m thankful because it helped me become more aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I’m motivated to continue improving, not just for grades, but for myself and the kind of student I want to become.

Happy Health, Happy Students.

         This year’s Nutrition Month celebration in our school was both fun and educational. The theme reminded us about the importance of eating healthy food and living an active lifestyle. Our teacher prepared different activities that made us realize how proper nutrition affects our daily lives, especially in helping us focus on our studies and stay energetic throughout the day.

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As we started making the food for the contest, I then realized that it started to deepen our bond not only as classmates but as a family. We truly had a great time as all of us participated the different activities.

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        One of the highlights of the celebration was the variety of contests and presentations. We had poster-making, slogan contests, and even a cooking activity where we learned how to prepare simple but nutritious meals. My classmates and I also joined group presentations that promoted healthy eating through songs and skits. It was exciting to see everyone participate and show their creativity while spreading awareness about nutrition.

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It was fun for all of us that we participated in the activities. We learned a lot, and we also bonded a lot.

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        Overall, celebrating Nutrition Month was a meaningful experience. I gained new knowledge about the benefits of eating vegetables, fruits, and balanced meals, as well as the importance of avoiding junk food. The activities not only strengthened our awareness but also brought us closer together as a class and as a school community. I truly enjoyed the celebration, and it motivated me to start practicing healthier habits in my everyday life.

Mixed Feelings but I Only Feel One of Them.

 

 Dear President Marcos

I hope this letter finds you well.

            I am writing to you so I can express my personal opinion as a concerned citizen of the Philippines. I believe that every Filipino has the right and the responsibility to share their thoughts with our leaders, especially when it comes to the future of our country.

It shows that you wanted to follow your fathers footsteps in leading this country to greatness. The responsibilty now lies in you.

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            To be honest, my opinion about your leadership is mixed. There are areas where I believe you have shown strength and potential, and others where I feel more could be done, or where things have fallen short of expectations.

            This image captures a moment of leadership and commitment. It symbolizes unity, service, and dedication to your people.

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             I appreciate your efforts in certain aspects of governance, such as food security, which bolsters the education sector with scores of school buildings, decreases the price of rice, and implements rainwater collection systems and battery energy storage facilities. These are valuable improvements that will help our country move forward.

            In these challenging times, it is important to remember that the true strength of our nation lies not in division, but in unity. 

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            However, I also have concerns about the conflict between the Duterte and Marcos families, press freedom, access to public health, crackdown on corruption, labor and security, accountability on the war on drugs, and prevention of further HR abuse. As a citizen, I believe it is important that these issues are addressed with honesty, urgency, and clear communication with the people.

I am not writing this to criticize for the sake of criticism, but to share a voice that I believe reflects how many Filipinos feel—hopeful, yet cautious; supportive, yet watchful.

I hope your administration will continue to listen to the people, remain open to feedback, and lead with a genuine desire to serve the nation above all else.

Thank you for your time and service. I wish you strength and wisdom in the challenges ahead.

Respectfully,

Loveinne Angel Alamar

Curly Girly In A Whirly in this Twirly World

 Curly Girly In A Whirly in this Twirly World

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Before we get into the stories and things about my life, let’s know why and where my parents got my name “Loveinne”. When my mom was pregnant, my father went to Taiwan so he could provide for our family. While my father was in Taiwan, he discovered a church. He was so fascinated by the name, so he decided to name me after the name of the church; that's when my name was finally made “Loveinne.” I love how it’s very unique and how it actually suits me. Though I often get called love, loveyn, beyn, elle, and lobeyn to my close friends and classmates, angel and angela to my family.

This photo was recently taken this August. I started to like the color purple on me, though nothing can outshine my actual favorite, which is navy blue. We can start with the basics of knowing me personally. My favorite color is blue, any shade of blue. My favorite music artists are Rihanna, Tyler, the Creator, Drake, A$AP Rocky, Joji, Sombr, Bad Bunny, PND, Lana Del Ray, and last but not least, The Weeknd. The subjects that I'm most interested in are Science, English, ICT, and AP.

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This photo was taken back in January 2011, and I was still 8 months old at that time. My mom made me nap as she doesn't want me to be all cranky when we go to the carnival that day. My Aunt took this pic of me when I was sleeping soundly. As you can see, my hair is starting to curl a lot, which I inherited from these genes from both sides of the family. 

Now going back to things and stories about my life, I’m the type of person to be joyful to my friends, be shy to strangers, be my weird self to my family, and be my true self to my true friends. As a teenager, life is tough for me and for all of us. We have to deal with the mood swings, social media, hormones, menstruation, my appearance, my academics, my future, and most importantly, my health. Growing up, I never thought I would come this far. I actually can’t believe that next year, I’m graduating. Goodbye junior high school, hello senior year, which means new year, new friends, new classmates, and a new room. I love discovering new things and learn more about them, yet it can be triggering for me sometimes since I’ll have to adjust to a new environment. The only problem is that I have attachment issues, which means it will be hard for me to get used to my new surroundings, as I miss the old ones that I’m very much used to. Though I'm trying to distance myself from others as I don't want to repeat the same situation that I faced in my grade 8 and grade 9 years. As for my interests, I love reading, writing poems, listening to music, cooking, and cleaning. But mostly, what I really love is writing. I can actually get to write to my heart's content. My whole life is like my curly hair, curly because curly hair can be chaotic yet fun; it’s really a hassle for me to maintain and make it look neat. My curly hair is like a tornado; sometimes it looks neat, sometimes it looks chaotic, or should I say puffy/messy, which is actually based on my whole life right now. 

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This photo was taken back when I was in Grade 9. I was still unsure about my decisions in life, on what course I should take, and what I wanted to do. I'm sure all of us have that phase, when things are still undecided. It can be hard to find the right one that truly fits your interests and the things that you're good at. Follow the goal that you're truly sure of, not the goal that you are still unsure of; in the end, you'll end up regretting it.

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Wish I could go back to this time, where everything was stress-free, where I could just take a breather. This picture was taken back in July 2012, my lola and I went out to buy me a new toy, that toy was a doll house. I cherished it so much that I still have it to this day. Though I'm not the one playing it anymore, my little cousins are.  It's a shame that I couldn't go back to the time when I could still enjoy my childhood.

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My goal in life? Now that’s a tough but also an easy question. Traveling the world is one of them. I want to learn each country's history and culture. Experience the beauty in every country. Like seeing every beautiful curl in your hair. Becoming an accountant is also one. I want to take my mother’s footsteps since she wanted to pursue being an accountant, but never had the chance to, since my lola wanted her to be a nurse. So now, I’m taking the path that my mom wanted me to be and continuing the course that she wanted for me. I love my mother; she’s like curly hair, actually. Messy yet beautiful, everyone is born to be imperfect, not perfect. I would also like to build and design my dream house someday, and I want it to be somewhere in Europe. This might sound so cliché, but I want to be successful in life. Not just in money, but also in health, love, and status.

 

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This was in June 2025, when I celebrated my 15th Birthday, where everything changed for me. It made me realize that the older I get, the closer I get to my dreams, yet still so far away. As I blew out the candles on my cake, I was filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty. I started to understand that dreams are journeys, not just destinations. With passions for music, art, and science pulling me in different directions, I reflected on the steps I needed to take to pursue them. I promised myself to embrace every experience, knowing that each choice could lead me closer to who I wanted to become. As summer began, I felt a renewed determination to face the future with an open heart.

You’ve probably noticed by now that I’m basing my whole life on my curly hair. Life can be messy, tough, ugly, unpleasant, like a curly hair.  But life can also be challenging, pretty, have bigger opportunities, like a curly hair. So life is like a curly hair, who knew that life and curly hair has so much in common? 

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