Kathleen

   A single page or front page of a newspaper lets you know big things! This quarter, learning about front pages was unlocking what I felt to be a secret code. It's not just random articles and pictures; it's a precise snapshot in time of what's important in the world today. I learned how headlines are designed to capture attention and how story placement indicates which ones are deemed most important. Of course, another lesson learned was the amount of painstaking effort that goes into choosing the right image to accompany the text. I learned how these various features make the masthead, the lead story, and the index within it, to know the form in which the newspaper organizes its information. Learning it was like learning a different language - the language of news!    Learning is, of course, never easy. A challenge confronted was how to determine which of the stories were genuinely important and which were hype. That, mixed with headlines that could often be so th...

   For everyone - for "WE for Gender Equality and Inclusion in Society", such concepts come close to the building of a massive playground where every child plays, then each takes turns playing- a feeling of safety accompanied with comfort.    At times, we see that not all people are treated equally. For example, there are those who may tell a boy or a girl that this or that they should not be doing. That is really a kind of injustice to be exact! Gender equality means that every single person is entitled to learn, play, and grow for who they are.    An inclusive society is just like a very big garden, full of flowers of different colors and kinds; it shows that we are really different but becomes inclusive. We can listen to each other, respect each other, and join hands to build a better community.    We have the real possibility of bringing about meaningful change when we do as the "WE" in this theme shows. We can disrupt the inequalities between...

   Ilocos Sur has many festivals, one of which is the Kannawidan Festival which takes place during the last week of January to the first week of February. This festival serves to nurture the provincial identity of the people by strengthening their unity through the celebration of the cultural arts and history of the Ilocanos.     In English, "Kannawidan" translates to "inheritance" or "tradition," signifying the importance of celebrating and preserving one’s culture. The festival not only helps foster a better understanding of the rich culture of the people, but it also serves the purpose of celebrating the establishment of Ilocos Sur in 1818. The festival also serves to promote local businesses through trade fairs where the craftsmanship of the Ilocanos is showcased.    The artistic legacy of the province is heavily exhibited through cultural performances such as traditional dances and songs. The faithful Ilocanos also pay tribute to Self through reli...

   Valentine's Day is a day for people to express their love and appreciation for each other. It is a time to celebrate every kind of a relationship that is romantic, platonic and familial. There are many ways to show your affection on Valentine's Day. Some people choose to give gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, or cards. Others share their time together, they can go out for a nice dinner, watch a movie or even just talk about something. The way you decide to celebrate is not crucial, the main thing is to communicate to the person you love with all your heart that you really love him/her.

https://sl.bing.net/ckh3bSEU2b6    The rich and colorful Filipino culture is really a blend of various traditions, and you can see this so clearly during the celebration of Chinese New Year. It’s not just an event for folks of Chinese heritage; it's a lively occasion that many Filipinos look forward to all over the country. So, why is this holiday such a hit in the Philippines? Well, it’s a mix of some pretty neat reasons.    Imagine it like a big block party where everyone from the neighborhood comes out to join in. Chinese culture has long been intertwined with Filipino culture, sharing tasty foods (think siopao, pancit, and so much more!), stylish outfits, and fascinating traditions. A lot of Filipinos can trace their roots back to China, so when they celebrate Chinese New Year, it's like paying tribute to their family history. It’s a way of saying, “This is who I am, and I take pride in it!".    And let’s not forget the values that come with the celebra...

                                           https://sl.bing.net/hVtHApmogRo So, let’s talk about Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur. You know, it’s famous for its stunning Spanish-era buildings and a deep cultural vibe. But here’s a twist—before it became a city, it was just a small municipality. Yep, not much in terms of resources or a strong government back then. It had some serious issues like crumbling infrastructure, limited public services, and economic growth was pretty sluggish.      Then came December 27, 2000! That’s when Vigan officially got its city status thanks to Republic Act No. 8988. With this change, it gained more freedom, saw an influx of funds, and public services got a much-needed boost. This shift really kicked off some economic growth, made tourism pop, and upgraded infrastructure without losing that charming colonial feel.     ...