Echoes of Old Vigan

 SOPHIA LOUISSE REOTUTAR                                                                               10-MARTINELLI

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VIGAN CITY

Nestled in the heart of Ilocos Sur, the Heritage City of Vigan is one of the most captivating tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is a place where history, culture, and tradition come alive through its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Walking around Calle Crisologo, you’ll instantly feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The elegant ancestral houses, vintage street lamps, and horse-drawn kalesas give the city a charming old-world atmosphere. Vigan’s unique blend of Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish influences makes it truly one of a kind and deserving of its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   

A trip to Vigan would not be complete without tasting its famous dishes. The city is known for its mouthwatering Vigan Longganisa, a garlicky and slightly sour sausage that perfectly represents Ilocano flavors. This local delicacy is best paired with rice, vinegar, and tomatoes for a hearty breakfast. You can also try other favorites such as Vigan empanada, filled with egg, meat, and vegetables wrapped in a crispy orange shell, and the crunchy bagnet, which is the Ilocano version of deep-fried pork belly. These dishes are not just food, they tell the story of the people’s  love for flavor, simplicity, and authenticity. 

Vigan is also known for its rich artistry and industries. One of the most fascinating traditions here is burnay pottery, a craft that has been practiced for hundreds of years. In local workshops, skilled potters mold and shape clay by hand to create burnay jars, pots, and vases. Each piece is carefully baked in a traditional kiln, resulting in sturdy and beautiful earthenware. Tourists are welcome to try making their own pots, which makes for a fun and memorable experience. This craft reflects not only the people’s creativity but also their hard work and dedication to preserving their heritage.

To complete your Vigan experience, take a relaxing kalesa ride around the city. The rhythmic sound of the horse’s hooves against the cobblestones, combined with the golden glow of the streetlights, creates a peaceful and romantic atmosphere, especially at night. As the kalesapasses through Calle Crisologo, you can see souvenir shops, art galleries, and cafés that light up the streets, offering the perfect view of how Vigan blends its past with the present.

Vigan is more than just a destination, it’s a living museum that continues to tell the story of the Filipino spirit. Its timeless charm, warm people, delicious food, and strong sense of culture make it a must-visit place for both locals and foreigners. Every corner of Vigan has a story to tell, and every visit feels like rediscovering a part of our nation’s identity.

MY REFLECTION THIS 2ND QUARTER

 Sophia Louisse Reotutar                                              10-Martinelli

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                              2nd Quarter 

      This second quarter has been a time full of learning and growth for me. I discovered new lessons not just in academics

but also about myself. I learned how to manage my time better, especially when there were so many projects and deadlines to meet. I also improved my writing and communication skills, which helped me express my thoughts more clearly. Working with my classmates taught me the importance of teamwork and how great things can happen when everyone shares ideas and works together. This second quarter has been a time full of learning and growth for me. I discovered new lessons not just in academics but also about myself. I learned how to manage my time better, especially

 Of course, the quarter wasn’t always easy. There were times when the workload felt too heavy and I didn’t know where to start. Some lessons were hard to understand at first, and I sometimes found myself losing focus because of distractions. There were moments of stress and pressure, especially when I had to finish several tasks at once. It wasn’t easy, but those challenges taught me to be more patient and determined. when there were so many projects and deadlines to meet. I also improved my writing and communication skills, which helped me express my thoughts more clearly. Working with my classmates taught me the importance of teamwork and how great things can happen when everyone shares ideas and works together. his To handle these struggles, I started making a schedule so I could manage my time wisely. I learned to ask questions and seek help when I needed it instead of trying to figure everything out on my own. Taking short breaks and giving myself time to rest really helped me regain focus. I also made it a habit to review my lessons regularly, which made me feel more confident and prepared for quizzes and exams. second quarter has been a time xfull of learning and growth for me. I discovered new lessons not just in academics but also about myself. I learned how to manage my time better, especially when there were so many projects and deadlines to meet. I also improved my writing and communication

As I move forward, I want to keep improving and carry the lessons I’ve learned into the next quarters. I plan to stay disciplined with my study habits, keep a positive mindset, and not be afraid to ask for help when things get tough. I also want to remind myself to enjoy the learning process and celebrate even the small wins. 

I know that with hard work and perseverance, I can continue to grow and do better in the future.

skills, which helped me express my thoughts more clearly. Working with my classmates taught me the importance of teamwork and how great things can happen when everyone shares ideas and works together.

This second quarter has been a time full of learning and growth for me. I discovered new lessons not just in academics but also about myself. I learned how to manage my time better, especially when there were so many projects and deadlines to meet. I also improved my writing and communication skills, which helped me express my thoughts more clearly. Working with my classmates taught me the importance of teamwork and how great things can happen when everyone shares ideas and works together.

This second quarter has been a time full of learning and growth for me. I discovered new lessons not just in academics but also about myself. I learned how to manage my time better, especially when there were so many projects and deadlines to meet. I also improved my writing and communication skills, which helped me express my thoughts more clearly. Working with my classmates taught me the importance of teamwork and how great things can happen when everyone shares ideas and works together.

 Sophia Louisse Reotutar                                             10-Martinelli

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                                 My Teacher, My Hero

        Every year, the celebration of Teacher’s Month gives us a moment to pause and appreciate one of the greatest influences in our lives our teachers. The 2025 theme, “My Teacher, My Hero,” reminds us that teachers are more than just educators. They are our everyday heroes guiding us, inspiring us, and helping us become the best versions of ourselves. Their heroism is not displayed in grand battles or loud victories, but in the quiet sacrifices they make every single day: staying up late to prepare lessons, patiently explaining until we understand, and believing in us even when we doubt ourselves.

 

    Teachers shape not only our knowledge but also our values and character. They teach us lessons that go beyond books, lessons about kindness, perseverance, and respect. Whenever they see potential in us and encourage us to chase our dreams, they become the heroes who ignite the spark of hope and confidence in our hearts. Without them, there would be no doctors, engineers, artists, or leaders, because behind every successful person stands a teacher who once said, “You can do it.”

        I express my gratitude to my teachers through small but meaningful ways. I make sure to listen attentively in class, complete my tasks with effort, and show respect in my words and actions. A heartfelt “thank you” or a simple letter of appreciation can already mean so much to them. During Teacher’s Month, I take time to reflect on how much they’ve helped me grow, not just academically, but emotionally and morally as well. I know that their hard work often goes unnoticed, so I want them to feel how deeply appreciated and loved they are.

As I look forward to the future, I carry with me the lessons and values my teachers have instilled. They have taught me that learning never stops and that true success is built on discipline and compassion. For me, honoring my teachers means living out their teachings being kind, responsible, and determined in everything I do. Teachers are indeed heroes, not because of their power or fame, but because they continue to shape the future, one student at a time. Their influence lasts a lifetime, and their legacy lives on in the hearts of those they’ve touched.

Reference:
Department of Education (DepEd). (2025). National Teachers’ Month and World Teachers’ Day Celebration Theme: “My Teacher, My Hero.” Retrieved from https://www.deped.gov.ph