Ghaveriel Raphael C. Agati

   Reflecting on this quarter I must say that the experience that I’ve gathered has influenced my growth and my improvement as a whole, it is mainly because I’ve been surrounded with my positive friends that has greatly increased my confidence and helped me get through this quarter. I can honestly say that this shift has benefitted me in more ways than one. I also came to the realization that in order for me to develop, I need to know what or who I genuinely like. My desire to better comprehend and explore who I am was another one of my objectives. It is not an exaggeration to claim that if we put our minds to anything, even the most mundane things may be changed because a change starts with me.      This quarter is clearly more difficult than the previous ones, and with that in mind, it took me a while to physically and emotionally acclimatize because the material was so challenging. But happily, with the help of my instructors and friends, I was ab...

     The Ilocos Sur National Highschool is proud to be hosting its annual High School Day celebration. All high school students, faculty, and alumni are invited to this celebration of the institution's great traditions and heritage.  The High School Day celebration will undoubtedly be a memorable occasion.      At 8 a.m., the program will start. with a Mass of Thanksgiving. The program will resume at 10 a.m. with hymns and the doxology performed by the teacher's choir. The principal of our school and the head of the school division will provide opening remarks to formally begin the program. To continue the inspirational speech and introduce the keynote speaker, the chosen Grade 10 students will perform an intermission number. One of the Outstanding Alumnae from the class of 2006 will give a motivational speech. Along with the honoring of outstanding teachers, workers, and retirees, we also witness the presentation of a plaque of distinction to the gues...

     The Holy Week is a very special time of the year for many people, especially those of the Christian faith. It is a time of reflection, prayer and remembrance of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. It is also a time of celebration and joy as we look forward to the Resurrection of Jesus.      The Holy Week is typically celebrated with special services and activities, such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday services. These services are often accompanied by special music and prayers. For many people, the Holy Week is a time to reflect on their own lives and the life of Jesus. It is a time to ponder the importance of the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins, and to be thankful for His gift of salvation.      The Holy Week provides an important opportunity for Christians to come together and celebrate the Good News of salvation. It is a time to pray for those who are suffering and to share in the joy of the resurre...

     WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society, the National Women’s Month theme, is a significant one for the times. For our society’s and the global community’s well-being and development, gender equality and inclusivity are important. This theme serves as a crucial reminder of the need to work toward these initiatives and the benefits that a more equal and welcoming society may have on everyone of us.        A good and equitable society must prioritize gender equality and inclusivity. Everyone benefit when men and women are given equal opportunity and access to resources. We are capable of building a society in which everyone has an equal chance at success and a voice. We can ensure that all people are appreciated and included regardless of gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.      Inclusivity is crucial for creating a secure and loving atmosphere for everyone in addition t...

     Ilocos Sur is located in the northern tip of the island of Luzon. Their settlements were mostly found in the plain territories particularly along the coastlines and so the place was called Ilocos, which means people of the lowlands. According to history, colonizer Juan de Salcedo explored the region in 1572. Two years later, he established the Ciudad Fernandina in what is now known as Vigan by the orders of Governor-General Guido de Lavezares. The region however erupted in various uprisings all throughout the Spanish era. Thus, proposals were submitted to the Real Audiencia to divide the region. Thus on February 2, 1818, Provincia Ilocos was split into Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur by virtue of a Royal Decree. This is the date that Kannawidan Ylocos commemorates every year.      Kannawidan Ylocos is an annual festival that celebrates the founding of the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines every 2nd of February. A half-month celebration, its activ...

     Valentine’s Day celebrates that feeling known as love. Love between lovers (man and his woman) may be the most celebrated kind. But all forms of love are lovely and deserve to be celebrated. Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a way of honoring Saint Valentine, who sacrificed his life for the sake of love. Valentine’s Day stands for love. So, on this Valentine’s Day, if you do not have a girlfriend or a boyfriend, do not start to feel sad. Instead, look through your life to seek those who actually loved you, in all their forms and in all their ways, and thank them for being by your side when you needed them.      Valentine’s Day celebrates the bond and the relationship between people. It is a day which teaches us how we should express our love, care and respect for anyone who is important in our life. It helps us to feel happy about our loved ones. It also shows the significance of the satisfaction we experience when we are with those who are...

     Festivals are a celebration of life; these celebrations bring peace and joy to humanity. In my municipality of Vigan every year they celebrate a fiesta’s that every January 25, the Vigan City Fiesta is held. It is observed on the day of St. Paul the Apostle's conversion feast. Vigan City's patron saint is St. Paul. Prior to becoming a Christian, St. Paul was Saul, a fervent persecutor of Christians. His name was changed to Paul after he had a close encounter with Jesus Christ while traveling to Damascus, and he underwent many sufferings and perils in order to carry the gospel to distant locations.      Vigan’s main church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, is dedicated to St. Paul and it stands at the core of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. The major Catholic educational institution in Vigan that stands beside the church is also dedicated to the patron, the St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur. The Vigan City Fiesta u...