Code, Chaos, and Growth

 

As the third quarter comes to a close, I take a moment to reflect on the journey so far — a path paved with new knowledge, occasional challenges, and a renewed sense of growth.

The learning and discoeries I’ve gained this quarter are vast and invaluable. Diving into the world of HTML and coding has been both thrilling and enlightening. I’ve come to appreciate the structure of a webpage, the way each tag and script creates something tangible, a reflection of human ingenuity in the digital realm. Understanding how to build a website from the ground up feels like a new language that I can now speak with confidnce. Coding, too, has been a challenge, but one that has sparked curiosity and problem-solving skills I didn’t know I had. As I learned to navigate through the complexities of CBR (Case-Based Reasoning), it was like unlocking a door to a smarter way of thinking—one that analyzes, compares, and learns from past experiences to make better decisions.

But no journey is without its hurdles. Time management has been a constant companion in this quarter, sometimes an ally, sometimes a foe. With multiple assignments and projects, finding the right balance between learning and personal time was often like trying to juggle water — it slipped through my fingers too easily. New concepts, too, were sometimes difficult to grasp, especially when they seemed abstract or disconnected from my previous knowledge. There were moments of frustration, where I doubted whether I could keep up with the pace. But in those moments of uncertainty, I learned the importance of perseverance and patience.

How did I address these challenges? I started by creating a clearer schedule, breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. I also reached out for help when I felt stuck, knowing that I didn’t have to figure everything out on my own. Peer discussions, teacher insights, and online resources became my allies in overcoming these obstacles. I learned that asking questions isn’t a weakness but a strength, a tool for continuous learning.

As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned from these challenges. I will prioritize time better, using it more wisely and planning ahead. I will embrace the discomfort of learning new concepts, trusting that they are building blocks toward a greater understanding. And most importantly, I will continue to believe in the process, knowing that each struggle brings growth and each lesson makes me more capable for the next step in this journey. The road ahead may still be long, but now, I walk with more confidence and determination

And to my groupmates, thank you for the shared stress and joy you had brought upon my CBR journey.

Red Lanterns, Shared Dreams

 

The Chinese New Year is not just a distant tradition observed in faraway lands, but a celebration woven into the very fabric of Filipino culture. Though the roots of this festival stretch deep into the heart of Chinese history, its significance blooms in the Philippines, embraced by millions. Here, in the archipelago of warm smiles and colorful fiestas, the Chinese New Year is a bridge between two worlds, uniting diverse peoples in a common celebration of hope, prosperity, and renewal.

For Filipinos, the celebration is more than just the turning of the lunar calendar. It is an invitation to pause, to reflect, and to welcome the new with open arms. The festive displays of red and gold, the hum of firecrackers in the air, and the sharing of lucky foods like tikoy — all are part of a tradition that transcends ethnic lines. It is a reminder that the Philippines is a land of convergence, where cultures blend and new customs are born.

hy do Filipinos observe the Chinese New Year? Perhaps it is because, like the Chinese, Filipinos hold family and fortune close to their hearts. Perhaps it is the shared belief in new beginnings — that with each year, no matter how difficult the past, there is always the promise of better days ahead. There’s a sense of community, too, found in the ritual of togetherness, whether it’s cleaning the house for luck or preparing sumptuous meals for a prosperous future.

In the Philippines, the celebration also brings a deeper appreciation for the resilience and contributions of the Chinese-Filipino community. It is a moment of cultural reflection, a chance to honor the traditions that have enriched the Filipino identity. And in this shared joy, there lies a beautiful reminder: that no matter where we come from, the desire for hope and success binds us all.

PICTURE REFERENCE: 

A Symphony of Traditions: Exploring Chinese New Year Festivities in Thailand.” The Luxury Signature, 26 Jan. 2024, www.theluxurysignature.com/2024/01/26/a-symphony-of-traditions-exploring-chinese-new-year-festivities-in-thailand/. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

“Inspiring Chinese New Year Traditions.” DGMU.ru, 2024, www.dgmu.ru/18554467/to-know-about-Chinese-New-Year-Inspiring.html. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

Vigan: A timeless Tapestry of Heritage

Tucked away in the heart of Ilocos Sur lies Vigan, a city that feels like stepping into a time capsule. Its cobblestone streets, vintage lamp posts, and ancestral homes whisper stories of a bygone era while blending seamlessly with the hum of modern life.

Vigan’s journey began in 1572, when Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo founded it as "Villa Fernandina." Back then, the Mestizo River was its lifeline, connecting it to merchants from across Asia and Europe. This melting pot of cultures left an indelible mark on Vigan, reflected in its architecture and traditions. The Spanish influence is unmistakable, but look closer, and you’ll find traces of Chinese and indigenous Filipino heritage woven into the city’s soul.

The city’s transformation reached a turning point in 1999, when Vigan was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition not only cemented its historical importance but also sparked a movement to protect its treasures. By 2000, Vigan was officially declared a city, a milestone that underscored its resilience and adaptability.l Wlking through Calle Crisologo today, you’ll find yourself surrounded by centuries-old houses that seem to stand still in time, while horse-drawn carriages add a touch of romance to the scene. Beyond the streets, landmarks like the Vigan Cathedral and Bantay Bell Tower invite you to explore their timeless beauty.

Yet, Vigan is more than its picturesque charm. Its vibrant festivals, such as the Longganisa Festival and the Vigan City Fiesta, bring its culture to life. The aroma of freshly cooked empanadas and the rhythmic beats of traditional dances remind you that this is a city that knows how to celebrate its roots. In vgan, history is not confined to textbooks or museums—it lives and breathes in the streets, the food, and the people. It’s a place where the past and present meet, proving that progress doesn’t have to mean leaving traditon behind.

REFERENCES:

Google. (n.d.). [Image of Vigan City street]. Retrieved January 25, 2025, from https://images.app.goo.gl/mrNjHCt62DQV5Jtc7

Google. (n.d.). [Image of Vigan landmarks]. Retrieved January 25, 2025, from https://images.app.goo.gl/UETSJ9BPXzFEQBJt7

Roots and Wings: New year, New me.

A new year feels like a blank canvas, ready to be painted with the colors of growth, change, and determination. This year, I vow to be better.

I see this journey as a tree growing taller, its roots digging deeper into the soil of my experiences. Each challenge will be a storm that strengthens my branches, each success a flower that blooms in its season. I want to nurture my ambitions with patience and care, like a gardener tending to a garden, knowing that true growth takes time. This year, I will embrace change, step out of my comfort zone, and face my fears with courage. I’ll challenge myself to no longer fear my pen and my ink, for they are tools of my voice, my expression, and my dreams. I’ll let my words flow freely, no longer shackled by doubt. I also plan to immerse myself in more readings and writings this year. Books will be my windows to new worlds, and writing will be the mirror reflecting my thoughts, growth, and aspirations. Every story I read will be a lesson, and every word I write will be a step closer to understanding myself and the world around me.

This year, I will walk the path of self-improvement, stone by stone, word by word. A new me is not about perfection—it’s about progress. Here’s to a year of blooming, of daring to dream, and of courageously turning those dreams into reality.

Season of Joy

 

The Christmas season is a time for reunions, celebrations, and meaningful moments with loved ones. For me, it all began on December 17, right after our school’s Christmas program. I packed my bags and made my way back to Abra, where my cousins, aunts, and uncles were waiting. Abra felt like a warm hug after a long day—it’s where laughter bounces off the walls, and the aroma of home-cooked meals fills the air. For three days, I soaked in the joy of togetherness, like a sponge absorbing every ounce of warmth and love.

Afterward, I returned to Caoayan to spend time with my immediate family. Home felt different yet familiar, like a melody you know by heart but hear with fresh ears. However, this holiday season wasn’t just about rest and celebration—it was also a time of responsibility. As a 4H Club officer and a part of the Kabataan sector in our barangay, I joined forces with the SK officials and fellow officers to plan our community’s Christmas and fiesta events.

Our planning sessions were a whirlwind of ideas and excitement. We arranged grand balls that sparkled with elegance, basketball games that brought both adults and kids together, and masses that reminded everyone of the true essence of the season. Soliciting funds for these events was like planting seeds, knowing they would bloom into moments of joy for everyone in the community.

Christmas Day was spent surrounded by family, a day filled with warmth and gratitude. When New Year’s Eve arrived, my mother’s side of the family gathered together, turning the night into an endless celebration. We played games until the early hours of the morning, laughter echoing louder than the fireworks outside. Watching the fireworks light up the sky felt like witnessing our collective hopes for the year ahead bursting into color. Lighting our own fireworks, we sent our dreams soaring, letting them dance with the Stars.

1ST PICTURE REFERENCE:

University of Liverpool. "The History of Christmas Traditions." University of Liverpool News, 21 Dec. 2023, https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2023/12/21/the-history-of-christmas-traditions/

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Building Blocks: Reflection

 This second quarter in the computer lab has been like the construction environment of the building. First, I began with the foundation. This actually was the process of mastering the basic coding concepts and getting the structure of HTML. At a glance, it looked like a difficult task, but the learning went smoothly, as one by one day, I kept on adding bricks of knowledge each day, thus something substantial was created.

By investing time in experimenting with different coding techniques and learning how CSS can be used further down the line. Over the course of the computer lab, the HTML coding became as if a blueprint guiding the structure and layout of the web pages. Every new code was akin to another piece in the puzzle, and as I made connections, the whole picture came into view. The rush of calming moments I found myself in the past while debugging reminded me of the saying “There is no hurry and everything will fall into place soon”, which is similar to the construction process’ tough initial part of making sure the surface is smooth along with the other edges before the house design becomes sturdy and visually appealing.

Even more satisfying is the fact that my improvement is visible. Initially, coding was as confusing and painful as creating a drawing of a blank canvas. Now, however, I am soaring to be a creator, in which the only limit is the extent of my imagination and skills in just text and logic. These bedrock skill sets form the basic platform not only for the studies, but for a whole range of life and career options.

On the other hand, I have not just acquired new skills, but also built self-assertiveness in my problem-solving. The computer lab had been almost everywhere rather than a classroom, shaping my ideas into their greatest (smartest) form and driving me to form them and format them all, and that has been a source of genuine pride for me.

Through the Pink Lens

In every corner of the world, there are voices that have been silenced by fear, by violence, and by injustice. Yet, these voices, strong and unyielding, refuse to remain unheard. The fight against violence toward women is not just a fight for justice; it is a fight for the very soul of society—a call for dignity, safety, and equality. 

The Philippines, like many nations, is caught in a relentless struggle against the violence that too many women face every day. The 2024 18 -day Campaign to End Violence Against Women reminds us that this is not just an issue of the past, but a current battle that affects one in three women globally. One of the strongest advocates for women’s rights in the Philippines, former Vice President Leni Robredo, has tirelessly fought for women’s empowerment and protection. Her initiatives have focused on elevating the status of women, ensuring their safety, and breaking down the societal barriers that perpetuate violence. Leni Robredo’s work highlights the importance of not just legal frameworks, but also community-based solutions and education to bring about lasting change in the fight against gender-based violence.

The Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, along with other important laws, seeks to offer women the protection they deserve. But laws alone cannot end violence; they are a tool in a much broader fight—one that requires society to change its perception of women's worth and rights. The VAWC Act is a vital part of this fight, aiming to safeguard women and children from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. By holding perpetrators accountable, it provides a shield of protection for the vulnerable, ensuring that justice will be served and that victims are no longer ignored. Just as a fortress stands strong against invaders, this law stands as a defense against violence, offering hope to those who have suffered in silence. Alongside the VAWC Act, two other laws have made significant strides in protecting women's rights. RA 8353, the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, redefined rape, shifting the focus from the victim's actions to the perpetrator's crime. This law clarifies that rape is not about the victim's dress or behavior, but about the violation of a woman's autonomy and dignity. It ensures that no woman's consent is ever disregarded, and no man who commits such an atrocity will escape the consequences. It is a law that stands as a pillar of justice and a reminder that women control their own bodies. In addition, RA 11313, the Safe Spaces Act, addresses harassment in public and online spaces, which many women face daily. Whether on the street, in the workplace, or on the internet, this law ensures that any act of harassment will be penalized. It acknowledges that women should not live in fear of verbal abuse or physical harassment, even in spaces that are meant to be public and safe for everyone. The Safe Spaces Act is a step toward reclaiming the streets for women, offering a guarantee that their voices, thoughts, and freedom are valued in all spaces. 

The fight against violence toward women is far from over, but with laws like the VAWC Act, the Anti-Rape Law, and the Safe Spaces Act, we are inching closer to a future where women can live freely, without fear of abuse or harassment. These laws are not just legal tools; they are symbols of progress, of society's commitment to change. But the work doesn't end here. Each of us must take responsibility, raising our voices and standing up for equality.The 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women reminds us all of the power of unity in the face of injustice. It is time to work together and ensure that every woman can walk in safety, with her head held high, in every space she occupies. 

REFERENCE: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and ICF. 2022 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS): Key Indicators Report. Quezon City, Philippines, and Rockville, Maryland, USA: PSA and ICF, 2022.

IMAGE REFERENCES:

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