Jhovia

               Every January 25th is the celebration of the conversion of St. Paul and sparks a flurry of activities in the City of Vigan. Longganisa Street dancing is a feature of this event that I have encountered most of my life. Surrounded by colorful costumes of the dancers and the cheerful pulse of the music.          What's more fun without the beat of the drums? The music of the street dance gives the impression that the city is alive and festive. Competitive enthusiasts from different schools come to attend this said event. But it is not the rivalry that we are looking for; it is how vibrant the link is with Saint Paul's guidance.  Come and experience the rip-roaring Longganisa Festival here in  Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.  It's more fun in Vigan , VIVA VIGAN!

               The new year is an opportunity for most to look back and reflect on the current state and direction of their lives. For others, it is a time for New Year’s resolutions. I for one, however, have always found it odd that humans love to leave moments of change in their lives to specific dates.  I have never really got behind the idea of having a new year’s resolution. Why leave such important matters, such as bettering one’s self, on the back burner while waiting for the clock to strike twelve on the new year? Isn’t every day we live another opportunity to enhance ourselves? Despite my rambling, I do wish to improve myself this year. One such area I need to work on is my attitude. I can be extremely rude at times.  As said earlier, the new year is a time to look back and review at what we have done, and to reflect on the past. As the new year approaches, may our futures be bright, cheerful, and filled with laughter. ...

        The world we once knew has turned on its head. “It's the most wonderful time of the year with the kids jingle belling, and everyone telling you be of good cheer,” they used to say. Although one may mistake this for the words of a hermit who has been living under a rock for the past few years. If one were to look at the current state of the world, one would find these lyrics ill-suited.         As the time of Home Alone reruns on Star Movies begins, I have felt as though the season has begun to lose its wonder. The rising prices of even the most basic of commodities has put pressure on our family. Celebrations feel as though they have lost their magic. The joy I once felt for the season has slowly started waning. This feeling is then further exacerbated by the global pandemic that has shadowed our lives for almost three years at this point. Families have been separated, and left people feeling lonelier than ever.      ...