PreVille

So begins the Lenten Season. A penitential period that includes both abstinence and fasting. I didn’t grow up with the discipline of restricting what and when I can eat during a tradition, but I was taught to always practice self-control. We members of the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo) do not celebrate Christmas, Halloween, All Saints’ Day, All Souls Day, Valentine’s Day, Fiestas, or the Lenten Season, all of which are associated with honoring saints and patrons. Lent just isn’t a big deal in my home. Today, however, I decided to delve deeper into the Lenten Season: what it is all about, why it is important, and how it compares to my existing beliefs. What Are the Key Days of Lent? Lent lasts 40 days (excluding Sundays) and runs from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Easter. Lent is named after an old English word that means ‘to lengthen’. According to what I've heard, Lent is frequently described as a time of preparation and an opportunity to go deeper with God. The firs...

A noble idea arose in the minds of a group of civic-spirited Ilocanos who wanted to instill pride in their heritage in the youth and future generations. KANNAWIDAN, the Iloko Foundation of Arts and Culture, grew from the magnificent idea and is now a living reality. The Kannawidan Ylocos Festival commemorates the anniversary of the province of Ilocos Sur since its separation on February 3, 1818. Kannawidan is a word from the Ilocano language that means "heritage" or "inheritance." Ilocos Sur has a rich heritage and unique culture that must be preserved for future generations, as many of these traditions, songs, dances, and other Ilocano culture are unfamiliar to the younger generations. Children today are more interested in modern and novelty dances than traditional ones. There is also a need to evaluate the various municipal products, as well as the agricultural products and livestock of farmers and fishermen. As a result, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur...

               This second quarter, I’ve read over and over that we should learn to code. I used to not be interested because I am just a student. At first, I was like, “why in the world should I get into coding?”         https://tinyurl.com/73ur7z4v But now, I’m here to tell you that I’ve gained enough understanding on the topic and its importance. Even a little knowledge of HTML and CSS can make a big difference in my future career.                The internet has infiltrated nearly every area of our daily life. We've seen it evolve from strictly text-based websites to include images and videos, as well as making websites more engaging and aesthetically beautiful. Equipping myself with fundamental HTML and CSS abilities is beneficial in almost all occupations, just like knowing a foreign language.                https://t...

Fiestas and celebrations are returning as the Philippines begins to recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak, providing Filipinos with a much-needed dose of levity. Kannawidan 2022, a series of activities aiming at celebrating life and sharing joy, was officially launched by the province administration of Ilocos Sur earlier this month. https://tinyurl.com/2p8jnjkr   The province government of Ilocos Sur, led by Governor Ryan Luis Singson and Vice Governor Jeremias Singson, as well as members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and officials and employees of local government units and national government agencies, kicked off the festivities.   The Suyo Indigenous Peoples Community Group from Suyo, Ilocos Sur, performed an ethnic dance called "Tadek Ken Balliwes" during the opening ceremony, which is a traditional dance that symbolizes excitement over victory, thanksgiving, and other significant events.   The first night featured a fountain show, a dro...

The year begins on January 1st. The first day of the year is also known as New Year's Day. Every New Year arrives and goes with a sluggishness. The previous year has taught us both good and terrible lessons. Some people have a happy New Year's Eve, while others have a miserable New Year's Eve. But to face every situation with courage and the conviction that every situation is yours is to truly live the New Year. Man is made up of both positive and undesirable characteristics. It is critical that your body accepts and develops the discipline it requires. Every newcomer is required to make a decision about what we will do in the coming years and to renew ourselves year after another. What is a New Year's resolve, exactly? The majority of people are unaware of this. A New Year's resolution is an idea that molds and expresses who you are well. Every year, as students, we should stimulate our intellect, instill good habits in our bodies, and improve our personaliti...

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, how does one welcome Christmas this year? This is most likely one of the few times in modern history when we are urged to celebrate Christmas in its purest form, in its simplicity. We are preoccupied with rules on how to enjoy Christmas this year– with just members of the family who live in the same household, to continue wearing masks, to observe social separation, or to wash hands frequently– due to the attention on the coronavirus. For our mutual security and safety, we are being prevented from visiting one another. This year, we won't  be able to experience the normal Christmas joy and mirth that we have come to expect. Some, if not all, of the wonderful Christmas traditions and customs have been jeopardized. Traditional gatherings with family, friends, and neighbors, for example, have been discouraged to some extent and shifted online because they are deemed unsafe and risky because they may facilitate the spread of the coronavirus. http...