Iyer Xiam Fontessa

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 ...

  National Indigenous Peoples Month      The Philippines celebrates National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month to honor the culture and contributions of Indigenous communities. This celebration reminds us that these communities play an important role in the country’s history and identity. It is a way to recognize their efforts in preserving their culture and passing it down to the next generations.      Indigenous Peoples are experts in many things, like farming, weaving, and taking care of the environment. Their knowledge about nature and sustainable living is very useful for the country. By supporting and learning from them, we can help build a better and more sustainable future.       However, Indigenous communities still face problems. Many lack proper education, health services, and land rights. Celebrating them once a year is not enough. Real support and protection are needed so their lives and culture can continue to thrive. ...

​ A World Behind the Screen      The internet is a big part of a child’s life today. Children use it for school, entertainment, and talking to friends. While it can be helpful, it can also be dangerous. Many children are still exposed to online abuse and exploitation, and some of them do not know how to protect themselves or where to ask for help.      The government has programs and campaigns that focus on keeping children safe online. There are school talks, posters, and hotlines that encourage reporting abuse. These efforts show that the government is aware of the problem and is trying to protect children. However, not all children receive this information, especially those in far areas or those who do not have enough guidance at home.      Another problem is that some cases are not reported right away. Children may feel scared, confused, or ashamed, which makes them stay silent. Even with laws in place, abuse still happens because some ad...

The True Joy of Christmas     Christmas is one of the most special times of the year in the Philippines. It is full of joy, family gatherings, and traditions. Beyond the lights, decorations, and parties, Christmas is about love, kindness, and hope. It reminds us to be grateful and to share happiness with others.      For many Filipinos, Christmas is more than a day. From Simbang Gabi to caroling, parols, and family reunions, the celebrations bring people together. These traditions remind us of faith, family, and community. Even small acts like helping someone, sharing food, or spending time with loved ones reflect the true spirit of the season. It is the time when people feel closer and the warmth of family and friends makes everything more special.      For me, Christmas is not about the gifts at all. It is about the people who gave them and the thought behind  each gift. I may not have received a lot, but what mattered most was seeing...