Kate Bernice

 Vigan City always feels special to me, but during the Fiesta of the Conversion of St. Paul, it becomes something else entirely; louder, brighter, and full of life. From early morning, the streets were already busy, lined with people waiting for the celebration to unfold. There was music playing from different corners, the smell of local food in the air, and a shared excitement that made it impossible not to smile. It felt like the whole city agreed to pause and celebrate together. The parade was my favorite part. As it passed by, I spotted so many familiar faces; teachers, old classmates, relatives, and friends I hadn’t seen in a while. We waved at each other, laughed, and exchanged smiles. It felt comforting to see people I know all in one place, enjoying the same moment. Some groups tossed candies into the crowd, and like a kid again, I happily caught a few, laughing along with everyone else reaching for them. What made the experience more memorable was how carefree it felt. The...

 Jose Rizal is often called “the face of the Philippines” because his life reflects the awakening of the Filipino spirit. More than a hero carved in monuments, Rizal was a thinker who helped Filipinos see themselves as a people with dignity and worth. His greatest contribution to Philippine society was not just his intelligence or talents, but his ability to awaken national consciousness, encouraging Filipinos to question injustice and believe that change was possible. Through his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo , Rizal gave voice to the silent suffering of Filipinos under Spanish rule. His stories were painful yet honest, showing the abuse, corruption, and inequality that many were afraid to confront. Readers did not just see characters on a page; they saw reflections of their own lives. In doing so, Rizal helped Filipinos understand that their struggles were shared, and that unity was necessary for change. Rizal believed deeply in the power of education and peace...

Christmas is something we look forward every year. In the Philippines, Christmas season starts every September, since its the beginning of what we call, "BER Months". Decorations, such as christmas trees, christmas lights, and parols are seen everywhere, specially in malls. Simbang Gabi is also approaching as December starts, Christmas and Year-end party are also a part of preparing and celebrating Christmas. But Christmas is not just about the decorations, traditions, and parties—it's true essence is Love, Forgiveness, and Kindness.  Last year, during the BER months, especially in the month of December, many organization conducted a gift-giving program, and our club was one of them. We gave noche buena packages and hygiene kit to selected students who are in need. The SSLG also asked us to donate hygiene kits and canned goods which was distributed to the BJMP.  Now, as I grow up, I realized that the Christmas magic was not about the Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Car...

The celebration of the Philippines’ National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month reminds us that Indigenous cultures are not just part of our history, they are living traditions that continue to shape who we are as a nation. This year’s theme, “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development,” highlights how Indigenous Peoples’ values, knowledge, and ways of life are deeply connected to building a better and more sustainable future.  Indigenous communities have long practiced respect for nature, communal responsibility, and balance between people and the environment. From traditional farming methods to resource conservation and craftsmanship, their knowledge systems offer lessons that remain relevant today, especially in addressing climate change and environmental degradation. And, celebrating Philippine Indigenous People's Month allows these practices to be recognized, honored, and passed on to younger generations, ensuring th...

President Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines, served from 1948 to 1953. Born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, he was of Chinese and Ilokano descent. His parents, Mariano Quirino and Gregoria Rivera, instilled in him values such as hard work and love for the country. Quirino graduated from the University of the Philippines and became a lawyer in 1915. He started his political career as a representative of Ilocos Sur in the House of Representatives from 1919 to 1925, and later became a senator from 1925 to 1931. As a senator, he championed workers' rights and pushed for economic reforms. As President, Quirino implemented programs for the country's rehabilitation and development after World War II. He established Quezon City as the new capital, launched infrastructure projects, and freed farmers through agricultural reforms. He also implemented economic policies to stabilize the economy and strengthen international relations. Despite facing challeng...

The 2025 National Children's Month (NCM) theme,  “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”  (End Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials: Fight for the Safety and Rights of Children!), is a timely and critical call to arms. This theme, shaped by consultations with Filipino children themselves who highlighted the pervasive risks of social media, underscores that the threat to children's safety and dignity has fundamentally shifted to the digital space. The focus on  OSAEC-CSAEM  recognizes that the internet, while a tool for learning and connection, has become a frightening new frontier for abuse and exploitation. This observance is vital for mobilizing not just government agencies but also parents, educators, and the private sector into a unified front to dismantle the infrastructure of online child abuse. The Philippine government's commitment to protecting children's safety, dignity,...