Iyer Xiam Fontessa

     Ever since I was young, I have dreamed of becoming a doctor. More specifically, I want to be a pediatrician and a neonatologist because I have met babies who were born premature and needed extra care. Seeing how fragile and precious their lives are made me realize how much I want to help children survive and grow healthy. I know that being a doctor will take a lot of hard work, long hours of studying, and dedication, but I feel ready to take on that challenge because it is something I truly care about.          At the same time, I also dream of owning a bakery or a cafe someday. I love the idea of creating a warm space where people can enjoy food, drinks, and comfort. Baking has always been something I enjoy, and I hope that my cafe can become a place where people feel happy and relaxed, maybe even where families can make memories together. Combining my love for helping people and my love for baking feels like a way to bring joy in more than...

       Valentine’s Day has always felt like a day when love floats in the air, soft and bright, making even ordinary moments feel magical. This year, I celebrated it with my friends and my special someone heheh and it honestly felt like the world was wrapped in this warm, happy glow. Every laugh, every smile, even the little gestures seemed to sparkle a little more than usual.      When I was a kid, I was really crafty. I would make love letters for my parents on Valentine’s Day, their birthdays, or any special event. I don’t really know why I stopped doing it, maybe I just grew up or life got busier, but thinking back, I realized how much I loved making things that came from the heart. This year, I felt that crafty side of me come alive again and it made me so happy. I made clay figures of me and him, bought him a Kinder Bueno because I remembered it was his favorite, and even made him a hirono rose bouquet. Seeing him smile when he received them made...

​     Every year, Ilocos Sur celebrates the Kannawidan Festival as a way of showcasing its rich culture and traditions. The festival is usually held in Vigan City and gathers people from different places to witness the beauty of Ilocano heritage. It is known for highlighting local history, arts, food, and products, making it an important celebration in the province.      Many activities take place during the festival, including street dancing, cultural performances, trade fairs, and exhibits of local crafts like abel Iloco. There are also parades and concerts that bring excitement to the event. These activities not only entertain people but also help preserve traditions and promote tourism in Ilocos Sur.          One of the most memorable parts of the festival for me was the One Ilocos Sur Night on February 12, 2026. I went there with my friends Aubrey, Klene, and Nash, and we all had a great time. There was a concert where many peo...

It’s More Fun in Our Pamayanan: Vigan Longganisa Festival Some festivals just have a way of making you stop and stare even if you are only watching from a screen. The Longganisa Festival in Vigan, Ilocos Sur is definitely one of those. I was not able to go this year because I had things to do and I was not allowed, but thanks to videos online I still got a taste of all the colors, sounds, and energy that make this celebration so special. The Longganisa Festival is celebrated every January, usually around January 22 to 25, leading up to the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, the patron saint of Vigan City. It is also connected to the city’s anniversary, so the celebration feels like a huge, vibrant birthday party for the city itself. Normally, the streets are packed with dancers, performers, tourists, and locals all moving to the beat of drums while celebrating tradition, faith, and community. Even though I was not there in person, watching the videos made me feel like I w...

  My Third Quarter Experience    This third quarter felt like a mix of learning and little adventures in every subject. In English, we worked on essays and analyzing texts, which helped me express my ideas better. In Mathematics, I really struggled, especially with permutations and probability, because I got confused and needed help to understand the steps. Science was easy for me, and I understood topics like gene expression, mutations, and adaptation quickly. In EsP, I reflected on values like respect for life and caring for the environment. In Araling Panlipunan, the lessons were also easy, like learning about gender issues and laws that protect people. In MAPEH, I enjoyed our hip-hop performance, but after that, I started getting lazy. In ICT, I learned basic coding and using online tools safely, which helped me improve my technical skills.      Even though some subjects were easy, I struggled to keep up after our hip-hop performance and with so many ex...

  A Filipino Hero for All Time      Dr. Jose Rizal is one of the most important people in Philippine history. He was a writer, a doctor, and a nationalist who loved the Philippines. He wanted Filipinos to have freedom and fairness. Dr. Jose Rizal believed that education and learning were the keys to a better country. His life shows that courage, knowledge, and love for the country can inspire many people.      Dr. Jose Rizal’s greatest contribution to Philippine society was his writing. His books,  Noli Me Tangere and  El Filibusterismo , showed the unfair treatment and corruption of the Spanish rulers. Through his stories, he woke Filipinos up to the need for equality and justice. His books inspired people to stand up for their rights and believe that change is possible.      Dr. Jose Rizal also valued education a lot. He studied many subjects and traveled to other countries to learn more. He believed that learning could help ...