KANNAWIDAN FESTIVAL 2020

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     Ilocos Sur is a beautiful province located in the northern part of Luzon. It is a province rich in culture that represents the ancient Spanish and Filipino heritage. The locals conceived Kannawidan festival to show and share their treasures to the whole world that highlights these cultural traditions.


     It is a celebration that lasts from the last week of January up to the first week of February. Included in the course of events is the commemoration of the foundation day of the province. On the opening day, there is usually a mass held at the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. It is followed by a procession of the Patron Saints of the 40 parishes and images of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary around the city. It is the Ilocanos' way of giving thanks to the Almighty not only for the bountiful blessings but also for the rich heritage of the city, including the close family ties among the Ilocanos. This event showcases the deep-rooted religiosity of the townsfolk.


     The other reason why Kannawidan is conducted is to pay more attention to the children. It is because of the observation that many traditions, songs, dances, and other Ilocano culture are not recognized by the younger generations of the province. Instead, children are paying more attention to the modern and novelty dances they see television than the traditional ones.

CHANGE STARTS WITH OURSELVES

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        Change happens whether we like it or not and regardless of whether we do anything about it. Tomorrow will be different than today. We can resist, but that is a bit like standing in a river and trying to hold back the water.

        We can lead change and make our world a better place if we start with ourselves. Learning to become a better spouse, parent, businessperson, leader, salesperson, philanthropist, coach and volunteer will enable me to contribute more to my family, my community, and my industry. By inviting positive change into my life, by initiating change, I might be able to positively influence others.

       We must all change the way we think and act. Nothing changes if you change nothing

HAPPY FIESTA VIVA VIGAN!!!

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        The Vigan City Fiesta is held every January 25. It is celebrated during the feast day of the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. St. Paul is Vigan City’s patron saint. Biguenos from all over the country and even abroad return to Vigan, as it is the custom of Filipinos to return to their hometown to join their family and friends in the celebration of their fiesta. They are joined by thousands of visitors from other parts of the Philippines and other countries in enjoying the cultural shows, parades and street dancing prepared by the local government with the help of the local industries and communities. There are also food fairs, arts and crafts exhibits, as well as a visiting carnival. Within the Vigan City Fiesta days, the Longganisa Festival is also celebrated.

        The city has a longganisa-themed parade and at one time attempted to set a record for having the longest longganisa ever made. The festival has become a crowd-drawer as Vigan longganisa, a native version of Mexican salami, has a distinct garlicky taste that has become a favorite of the Filipino palate. Though other manufacturers have tried to copy the Vigan longganisa taste, they have not been successful.

        Biguenos attribute this to the fact that the making of Vigan longganisa is a centuries-old tradition of the local makers and all if not most of the ingredients used in making the native sausage is sourced from Vigan. Vigan’s garlic and sugarcane vinegar are said to be more strongly flavorful. It’s a great take-home gift after partaking in a Vigan City Fiesta.

NEW YEAR, NEW CHALLENGES

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     Goodbye 2019 and hello 2020. All the events that took place into my life in the year 2012 are now just memories, whether it was good or bad, happy or sad. Every ending that I have experienced in my life was because something better was coming. If my life had never been full with endings and changes, everything that I have experienced in my life would have never happened. I am where I am now because something in my past have changed and made me this way. Something that has ended in my past has allowed me to have new opportunities and challenges in my life, and the outcomes I got were always positive.

      In my case many things have ended: relationships, friendships, and those endings had led me to the place I am now. Every single new opportunity and new challenge that I have experienced was possible because an ending had taken place in my past. In those moments when something ends, it is very difficult to see a new beginning. For instance, when a relationship ends, we normally do not see that as a new beginning or as a new opportunity, we see that as a painful ending, and the sorrow and frustration we feel in our hearts in those cases consume our spirit, making it impossible for us to see that as new beginning.

     Every ending is always a new beginning. When something ends, something new begins and a new beginning is always a new opportunity. Learning to see the end of something as an opportunity rather than a punishment would help to change our whole life experience in the moment when we begin a new chapter in our lives.

     May the year 2020 bring us fresh start, new aspirations, and inspiring successes. Walk with grace and achieve greater heights.