Thursday, February 20, 2025

Valentine's Day: A Celebration of Love

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

A Quarter of Learning: Reflecting on My Progress

This quarter was really challenging but also super rewarding. I learned so much about HTML tags and CSS, and how to apply them in community-based research.


One of the coolest things I learned was how to design and develop a community-based website using HTML tags and CSS. I never thought I'd be able to do something like that, but with practice and patience. I also learned about the importance of community engagement and participation in the design and development process. It's not just about creating a website that looks good - it's about creating something that's actually useful and meaningful to the community.

Of course, there were also some challenges. One of the biggest ones was editing the web designs. We encountered problems with aligning elements, sizing images, and getting the layout just right. It was frustrating at times, but we worked together as a team to troubleshoot and find solutions. To address the challenges, we used online resources and tutorials to learn more about HTML and CSS. We also worked together to test and refine our designs, making sure that they were functional and user-friendly. Despite the challenges, I'm really proud of what I accomplished this quarter. I learned so much and had a blast doing it.


Moving forward, I'm excited to dive deeper into web development and learn more about advanced topics like JavaScript and responsive design. I'm looking forward to applying my skills to new projects and continuing to learn and grow as a web developer.


Overall, this quarter was an amazing learning experience, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to work on such a meaningful project.





Weaving Stories, Building Furniture: Our CBR Journey with Muwebles


It was an exciting day when our group first met to discuss our Community-Based Research project on Muwebles. We were all eager to explore the community and learn more about their experiences and perspectives on this traditional Filipino furniture-making craft.

Our research design was a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. We conducted in-depth interviews with Muwebles makers and vendors to gather rich and detailed information about their experiences and perspectives.

One of the most memorable experiences during our data collection was when we went around the community to take photos of Muwebles makers at work. We saw firsthand the skill and craftsmanship that goes into making each piece of furniture.


As we collected and analyzed our data, we began to see some interesting patterns and themes emerge. We learned about the importance of Muwebles as a source of income and livelihood for many community members. We also learned about the challenges they face in terms of marketing and selling their products, as well as the impact of modernization and urbanization on their traditional craft.

After the data collection and analysis, we finally sat down to write our research report. It was a collaborative effort, with each group member contributing their ideas and insights. We worked tirelessly to ensure that our report was accurate, informative, and engaging. Finally, the day arrived when we presented our research findings to our classmates and professors. It was a proud moment for all of us, as we shared our discoveries and recommendations with the audience. We received positive feedback and encouragement, which validated all our hard work and effort.

Looking back, I realize that our CBR project on Muwebles was not just about conducting research and gathering data. It was about immersing ourselves in the community, listening to their stories, and learning from their experiences. It was an incredible journey that taught me the value of community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative research.


A Fusion of Cultures: Filipinos' Observance of Chinese New Year 2025


 The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a significant traditional holiday in China and other countries with Chinese populations. In the Philippines, Filipinos observe the celebration of Chinese New Year due to the country's historical and cultural ties with China.


The Philippines has a long history of trade and cultural exchange with China, dating back to the pre-colonial period. Many Chinese immigrants arrived in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era, and they brought with them their customs, traditions, and celebrations, including the Chinese New Year.
Over time, the Chinese New Year celebration has become an integral part of Philippine culture, particularly in cities with significant Chinese populations, such as Manila's Chinatown. Many Filipinos have adopted some of the traditions and customs associated with the Chinese New Year, such as giving red envelopes with money, eating Chinese foods like tikoy and lumpia, and watching lion and dragon dances.

The Chinese New Year celebration also has economic and social significance in the Philippines. Many Filipino-Chinese businesses close during the celebration, and some Filipinos take advantage of the long weekend to go on vacation or spend time with family and friends. The celebration also provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding between Filipinos and Chinese Filipinos.
Today, the Chinese New Year is celebrated in many parts of the Philippines, with festivities that include: Lion and dragon dances, fireworks and firecrackers, cultural performances and exhibitions,etc.

In conclusion, Filipinos observe the celebration of Chinese New Year due to the country's historical and cultural ties with China, as well as the significant economic and social impact of the celebration on Philippine society.




References:



Vigan's Rise to Cityhood: A Story of Progress and Heritage"



 Vigan, a historic town in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines, has undergone significant transformations over the years. From its humble beginnings as a small municipality to its current status as a thriving city, Vigan has consistently demonstrated its resilience and determination to progress.



As a municipality, Vigan was established in 1572 by Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo. During the Spanish colonial period, Vigan played a crucial role in the country's economy, serving as a major trading center and port. The town's strategic location on the coast of the South China Sea facilitated the exchange of goods with neighboring countries, making it a hub of commercial activity.




As the years passed, Vigan continued to grow and develop, with its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture drawing tourists from all over the world. The town's historic center, with its cobblestone streets and ancestral houses, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, further solidifying Vigan's reputation as a cultural and historical treasure trove.



On January 22, 2001, Vigan's status was elevated from a municipality to a city, following a plebiscite that was held among its residents. This significant milestone marked the beginning of a new era for Vigan, as it continued to evolve and grow into the thriving city it is today. As a city, Vigan has experienced rapid growth and development, with various infrastructure projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of its residents and promoting tourism. The city's economy has also diversified, with a focus on industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Despite its growth and development, Vigan has remained committed to preserving its rich cultural heritage and historic architecture. The city's government has implemented various initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting its cultural treasures, including the restoration of historic buildings and the promotion of traditional arts and crafts.


In conclusion, Vigan's transformation from a small municipality to a thriving city is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. From its humble beginnings as a trading center to its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a thriving city, Vigan has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve, while remaining true to its rich cultural heritage. As Vigan continues to grow and develop, it is clear that its future is bright, and its legacy as a cultural and historical treasure trove will endure for generations to come.



References:






Valentine's Day: A Celebration of Love

Valentine's Day is a special day that we celebrate every year on February 14th. It's a day when we show love and kindness to our fam...