"Exploring Hidden Garden as a Tourist Destination"

Hidden Garden of Vigan: A Tourist Destination Through the Lens of Community-Based Research"

 

 Team Discussion and Planning

We are having a discussion to finalize our strategies and ensure that our research process runs smoothly.  

Planning Session

 We are carefully planning our next steps, organizing our tasks, and refining our approach for the research.  

Searching for Respondents 

We are looking for potential interviewees to gather a variety of perspectives that will enrich our study.  

Conducting an Interview

We are actively engaging in an interview, gathering valuable insights to support our research.  

Interview with a Stall Owner

 We are conducting an interview with a stall owner, asking questions related to the research.

Exploring Hidden Garden

 We are roaming around Hidden Garden, observing its attractions and gathering relevant.

Interview with the Barangay Captain

We had the opportunity to speak with the barangay captain, collecting important information about the community’s perspective.  

Writing the Research Paper

We are focused on writing our research paper, compiling data, and organizing our findings.  

Navigating Challenges and Growth: My Third Quarter Reflection

"From Codes to Confidence: Lessons Learned in the Third Quarter"

          I am currently ending third quarter and reflecting on my biggest learning experiences, challenges, and opportunity to overcome obstacles. This quarter has taught me a lot in terms of research and building a website, forcing me to step out of my comfort zone.

What I Have Learned/Discoveries I’ve Made? 

          This quarter, working on our Community-Based Research (CBR) and creating websites has been one of the greatest learning experiences. With this, too I learned new coding practices, how to properly formulate web pages, and how to write lists. I loved to see how various codes work side by side the different features of a website; I saw a new perspective into web development.

At What Points the Problems/Challenges Hovered Over Me? 

          While these are things we learned, it wasn’t an easy process. I had a hard time memorizing codes, and there were time errors while building the website, which needed some patience and debugging. Since we were also trying to do interviews for our CBR it was quite daunting. Because the rest of my group and I were naturally hesitant to talk to strangers, reaching out for interviews felt like a daunting task. To further complicate matters, we stuffed the CBR as well, which added to the stress of it all.

How Did I Resolved These Challenges? 

          To deal with these struggles, I decided to practice and practice until I got the hang of writing code. When errors popped up, I didn't get frustrated, I just made the time to debug and troubleshoot. To make things easier for the interviews, my groupmates and I divided tasks. And so we wrote scripts and questions ahead of time to feel more confident about talking to people. We also had to organize like never before and think on our feet.

Moving On, I Will…

          Now that we are in the last quarter, I will be working on my time management skills so that I do not have to cram on important projects. I will also continue practice website development in order to accelerate skill parts and become more acquainted with it. Key Post to work on — Confidence Communication is very important because interviews & interactions are part of future projects.

          While this whole quarter may have been hard on all of us, it has taught me things such as resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of teamwork. These experiences will definitely contribute to my academic and personal growth in the future.

Why Filipinos Embrace the Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year 2025: A Celebration Bridging Cultures

          The year of the Wood Snake (Chinese New Year 2025) is celebrated on 29 January 1. The festival is also referred to as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival1. The festivities are rounded off with the Lantern Festival on 12 February[5]. The public holiday in China spans January 28th–February 3rd[5].

          Some of the traditions associated with the celebration include dragon and lion dances, giving of ang pao (red envelopes), preparing lucky foods, and decorating in red and gold[1]. Firecrackers and fireworks are lit to scare away evil spirits[1]. Many go to temples and shrines to pray for blessings[1]. Many also follow Feng Shui practices[1].

           In the Philippines, Chinese New Year is a unique non-working holiday[3]. With its diverse multicultural heritage and the cultural influence of China, Chinese New Year is also observed in the Philippines1. The Chinese or Lunar New Year celebration has been in the Philippines for hundreds of years[2]. Without question, Chinese culture is ingrained in Filipino culture and life[2]. Filipinos celebrate by sharing greetings, feasting on Chinese food and consulting Feng Shui experts[3]. They will also give ang pao and eat tikoy[2].

Citations:

[1] https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/619422/chinese-new-year-2025-8-traditions-practiced-for-the-spring-festival

[2] https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/22/celebrating-chinese-new-year-as-a-filipino

[3] https://asiasociety.org/philippines/chinese-new-year-celebrated-philippines

[4] https://www.traveloka.com/en-en/explore/tips/where-to-spend-chinese-new-year/17491

[5] https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/chinese-new-year-celebration.htm

[6] https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/27/celebrate-chinese-new-year-with-festive-dining-1348

[7] https://www.globe.com.ph/go/travel-food/article/chinese-new-year

[8] https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/1/28/500-000-flock-to-jones-bridge-for-chinese-new-year-countdown-0707

New Year, New Goals

 

"2025: A Year of Growth, Balance, and Achieving My Goals"

         As 2025 begins, I want to focus more on my studies. I’ve had fun and enjoyed life, but now I need to take my education more seriously. I’m ready to challenge myself and stay on top of my work this year. At the same time, I want to make sure I still find time to relax and enjoy myself. It’s all about keeping that balance between hard work and fun.

         This year, I’m also determined to buy the things I’ve always wanted. But instead of just buying them on a whim, I want to earn them. I believe working hard to get what I want will make it even more rewarding. I’m excited about the idea of earning those things and making my goals a reality. It will feel great to achieve them through my own effort.

         Taking care of my mental health is also a top priority. I want to feel truly happy and at peace with myself. I know that by focusing on my well-being and learning how to relax, I can be more content. Stress can easily take over, but I want to let go of that and embrace a positive mindset. Creating a calm mental space will help me handle challenges better.

         Along with my mental health, I want to focus on being healthier physically. I want to feel strong, energized, and take better care of my body. This means exercising regularly, eating healthy, and giving my body the attention it needs. I know that if I do this, I’ll feel better overall and have more energy. Staying healthy will help me feel more confident and ready for anything.

         Finally, I want to do better in school this year. I’m aiming for good grades and pushing myself to improve. It’s not just about being perfect, but about working hard and doing my best. I know that if I stay focused and put in the effort, I can achieve my academic goals. This year is all about setting high expectations for myself and striving to meet them.

A Christmas Filled with Love and Laughter

 

"Celebrating the Holidays with Family, Fun, and Fond Memories"

          Our Christmas vacation was filled with nothing but happiness. My grandfather flew in from Davao City to Vigan just to spend the holidays with us. The start of the Christmas break wasn’t exactly exciting at first, as I didn’t book a flight to go anywhere, unlike others who were traveling. But then I thought, why not spend this time with my family? So that’s what we did. On December 20th, we traveled to Ilocos Norte for some shopping and just to have fun together.

         On Christmas Eve, December 24th, we woke up early to prepare a delicious spread, including macaroni and other tasty dishes. In the afternoon, we headed to San Vicente to celebrate with my dad’s side of the family. There were so many fun games with prizes, and the whole place was filled with smiles and laughter. It was a blast seeing everyone so happy and enjoying the moment. Christmas Day arrived, and we had a wonderful breakfast before heading out to take some pictures around the city. In the afternoon, we visited San Juan to celebrate with my mom’s side, where they had prepared the main course: lechon. It was absolutely delicious!

         I was lucky to receive gifts from my friends and family, but honestly, as much as I appreciated the presents, having them by my side was the best part of it all. It really hit different. I truly hope Christmas always feels this happy and full of love.

CODING MY WAY

 

My Second Quarter Ict Journey 

          The second quarter of ICT classes was a valuable learning experience. I gained a deep understanding of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), including how HTML tags are used to structure and format web content. I learned about the importance of web standards, defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and explored essential standards like HTML, CSS, XML, and XHTML. I became proficient in using various HTML tags and attributes for formatting text, creating links, embedding images, and defining page structure. I also learned how to structure a basic HTML document using tags like  <html> ,  <head> ,  <title> , and  <body> . Understanding hyperlinks, including how to create links to other web pages, email addresses, and images, was another key takeaway.

          While I found the learning process rewarding, I encountered challenges, particularly with understanding complex HTML tags and attributes, debugging code errors, and applying my knowledge to practical projects. To address these challenges, I relied on online resources like W3Schools and MDN Web Docs, practiced writing HTML code extensively, and sought guidance from instructors and peers.

          Moving forward, I will continue to practice writing HTML code to further improve my skills. I will also explore CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)  to enhance the visual appearance and interactivity of my web pages. Finally, I will apply my HTML knowledge to build real-world projects, such as personal websites or simple web applications, to gain practical experience.

Breaking the Silence

  Philippine Laws Against Violence

         

The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, or Republic Act No. 9262, is a key law in the Philippines designed to combat various forms of abuse against women and children, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. It provides victims with legal protection through measures such as protection orders, shelters, legal help, and counseling services.

          Every year, from November 25 to December 12, the country observes the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. This campaign emphasizes the importance of R.A. No. 9262, along with other laws that address violence against women and children. It raises awareness, encourages public education, and promotes actions to prevent such violence. The campaign also highlights progress made and urges continued efforts from all sectors of society to eliminate violence.

          Two laws related to violence against women stand out: the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (R.A. 8353) and the Safe Spaces Act of 2019 (R.A. 11313).

RA 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997)

    This law redefines rape as a crime against a person’s dignity, not just a crime against chastity. It acknowledges the deep emotional and psychological harm rape causes. It also introduced the concept of marital rape, ensuring that women are protected from abuse within marriage as well.

          The law outlines procedures for prosecuting rape cases and includes stricter penalties for offenders. It also requires the establishment of crisis centers to support victims with medical, psychological, and legal assistance.

RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) in 2019

          Commonly known as the "Bawal Bastos Law," this law targets gender-based harassment in public and private spaces, including workplaces, schools, and online environments. It expands the legal protections for victims and holds offenders accountable for harassment regardless of the setting.

          The law defines specific types of gender-based harassment and sets penalties for offenders. It requires public and private institutions to adopt policies, raise awareness, and create systems for reporting and addressing complaints. It also encourages bystanders to step in and help prevent harassment.

          These laws, together with R.A. No. 9262, are essential in protecting women and children from violence. They form a strong legal foundation for supporting victims and ensuring justice, contributing to the broader goal of creating a society that is safe and free from violence and discrimination.

References

•  Republic of the Philippines. (2004, March 8). Republic Act No. 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. Official Gazette of the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2004/03/08/republic-act-no-9262/

•  Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. Retrieved from https://pcw.gov.ph

• Republic of the Philippines. (1997). Republic Act No. 8353: The Anti-Rape Law of 1997. Retrieved from https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1997/ra_8353_1997.html

• Republic of the Philippines. (2019). Republic Act No. 11313: Safe Spaces Act. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2019/04apr/20190417-RA-11313-RRD.pdf

• Republic of the Philippines. (2004). Republic Act No. 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. Retrieved from https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/ra_9262_2004.html

• StudyPool. (2021). Anti-violence against women and their children presentation. Retrieved from https://www.studypool.com/documents/4393615/anti-violence-against-women-and-their-children-presentation

• Gota de Leche. (2022, November 3). Safe spaces act: Bawal bastos law. Retrieved from https://www.gotadeleche.ph/safe-spaces-act-bawal-bastos-law

• YouTube. (2019, July 17). IEffqt4QLX8 [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEffqt4QLX8