Keneth

 Valentine's Day in 2024 fell on a Wednesday, which meant that most of the day was the ordinary hustle of high school for me, a 16-year-old Grade 10 student. Despite the date-themed decorations that lined the hallways and the occasional student passing out candy grams, my focus was primarily on the usual routine: attending classes, jotting down notes, and participating in discussions. The atmosphere, though celebratory for some, retained the typical structure of a school day. My teachers assigned homework as usual, and I spent  lunchtime with my class, laughing over jokes and exchanging small tokens of friendship,   After school, the day took on a more personal significance as I met up with my significant other. We had agreed to keep Valentine's Day simple and free of over-the-top gestures, given our shared understanding that our everyday actions spoke louder of our affection than any grand Valentine’s display. With this in mind, we spent our time together doing things th...

Held annually on February 2nd, the Ilocos Sur Festival, or Kannawidan Ylocos, pulsates with vibrant life, celebrating the province's rich tapestry of history, culture, and community. This year's iteration, themed "Intayon Ilocos Sur, The Balikbayan Festival 2024," carries even deeper significance, focusing on honoring the sacrifices and contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) while fostering unity and cultural pride. At its core, Kannawidan Ylocos commemorates the province's founding anniversary, marked by its separation from Ilocos Norte in 1818. This historical milestone serves as a reminder of Ilocos Sur's distinct identity and resilience, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and adaptation. The festival becomes a platform to showcase this unique heritage, with vibrant street parades, traditional dance performances like the "Pandanggo sa Sawali" and "Kuratsa," and delectable demonstrations of local cuisine like "bagnet...