Thematic Quarter 2

Discovering Vigan City: A Journey Through Time and Culture

Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ilocos Sur, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and tradition. Its streets and landmarks reflect a deep connection to the past, blending Spanish colonial influence with the enduring spirit of the Ilocano people. Among the city’s most notable spots are Calle Crisologo, Simbaan a Batti, and the Burnay Pottery, each offering a unique glimpse into Vigan’s heritage.

Calle Crisologo is the most iconic street in Vigan. Its cobblestone pathway lined with preserved ancestral houses takes visitors back to the Spanish colonial period. The gentle sound of horse drawn kalesas and the warm glow of antique lamps make the place truly enchanting, especially at night. Tourists often enjoy shopping for souvenirs, tasting empanada, and simply soaking in the atmosphere of the old city.

Located a bit farther from the bustling Calle Crisologo, Simbaan a Batti is a small yet meaningful church known for its quiet and peaceful surroundings. Unlike the larger cathedrals, this simple stone church captures the humble devotion of the local community. Its traditional architecture, with thick walls made of brick and stone, stands as a reminder of Vigan’s deep rooted faith and craftsmanship. Many visitors stop by to pray, reflect, or simply admire its historic charm.

Another must visit in Vigan is the Burnay Pottery, where the famous burnay jars are crafted. Watching skilled potters mold clay on their wheels is a captivating sight that showcases the artistry passed down through generations. Visitors can even try shaping their own jar, a fun way to connect with the city’s creative traditions. Each burnay symbolizes the resilience and hard work of the Ilocanos.

From the timeless elegance of Calle Crisologo to the quiet grace of Simbaan a Batti and the artistic soul of the Burnay Pottery, Vigan City offers a journey like no other. It is a place where the past lives on through every brick, jar, and prayer, inviting everyone to slow down and appreciate the beauty of history.

Reflection

 In the second quarter, I learned about HTML tags, which are the building blocks of a website. At first, I thought making a webpage was complicated and only for professional programmers, but as our lessons continued, I realized that HTML is actually easy to understand once you learn the basic tags. Each tag has its own function, like creating titles, paragraphs, links, and images. I discovered how every tag works together to form the structure of a webpage, just like how sentences and paragraphs form an essay.

Learning HTML taught me to be more careful and organized when coding, because even a small mistake like forgetting a closing tag can affect the whole output. It also helped me appreciate how websites are made and how much effort goes into designing something we see every day on the internet. I enjoyed creating my own simple webpage and seeing it come to life through the codes I typed.

Overall, this quarter made me more interested in web design and programming. HTML may look simple, but it is a powerful tool that opens doors to creativity and digital skills. I’m proud of what I’ve learned and excited to explore more about web development in the next quarters.

Teachers day

The 2025 Teacher’s Month Celebration is a special time to recognize the tireless efforts, sacrifices, and love that teachers give in shaping the future of every learner. Teachers are not only educators but also role models and second parents who guide us toward success. They play a heroic role in our lives by giving their time, patience, and wisdom to help us reach our dreams.

I express my gratitude and respect to my teachers by showing good behavior, studying hard, and applying the lessons they have taught me. Simple gestures such as greeting them with respect, saying “thank you,” and participating actively in class are my ways of showing appreciation. I also make sure to acknowledge their hard work during Teacher’s Day by writing messages or giving simple tokens of appreciation.

Teachers truly deserve to be called heroes because their influence lasts a lifetime. Their passion and dedication to teaching inspire students like me to become better individuals. Without teachers, no profession would exist because they are the foundation of every learner’s knowledge and character. As we celebrate this special occasion, I want to say thank you to all teachers for being the guiding light that helps us achieve our goals.