3rd Quarter Reflection: Challenges, Growth, and New Skills This Quarter

This quarter has been a journey of learning new skills and overcoming challenges. I explored HTML lists, conducted community-based research (CBR), and even built a webpage to present our research findings. Some tasks were exciting, while others were frustrating, but everything I learned was valuable. Along the way, I faced different obstacles, but I found ways to push through and improve.

One of the most interesting topics I studied was HTML lists. At first, they seemed simple, but I soon realized how important they are for organizing content on a webpage. I practiced using different types of lists and learned how to structure them correctly. Another major learning experience was CBR, where I discovered the importance of gathering information directly from communities rather than just relying on online sources. This made research feel more meaningful because it connected to real-life problems. The highlight of this quarter was creating a webpage for our research. It was challenging to make it both functional and visually appealing, but seeing the final product made all the effort worth it.

Of course, learning these new skills wasn’t always easy. I had trouble organizing HTML lists, struggled to find accurate information for CBR, and found webpage design tricky. 

However, I kept practicing, managed my research better, and asked my classmates for feedback. Breaking my work into smaller tasks also helped me stay focused and motivated. Looking ahead, I want to continue improving my HTML skills, experiment with CSS for better webpage design, and work on making my research presentations more engaging. This quarter had its ups and downs, but I’m proud of what I accomplished. Every challenge taught me something valuable, and I know these skills will be useful in the future.

Vigan Cityhood: Vigan as a Municipality Then and Vigan as a City Now

 

Vigan is one of the most famous places in the Philippines, known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial houses, rich history, and unique culture. Before it became a city, Vigan was a municipality where people lived through farming, fishing, and trading. The Spanish ruled Vigan for many years, constructing buildings that still stand today. During the American and Japanese periods, the town continued to grow, with the establishment of schools, markets, and churches. Even as a municipality, Vigan was already recognized for its beauty and historical importance.

In 2001, Vigan officially became a city, marking a significant milestone in its development. With cityhood, it received better infrastructure, increased funding, and more business opportunities. Today, Vigan is a top tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to see Calle Crisologo, ride a kalesa, and enjoy local delicacies like Vigan longganisa and empanada. 

Despite modernization, Vigan has retained its historical charm, with its old houses, cobblestone streets, and traditions well preserved. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders Cities, Vigan has grown while keeping its past alive. As it continues to develop, it remains a beautiful and historic city, offering a unique experience to both locals and tourists alike.

References:

https://cdn.tatlerasia.com/tatlerasia/i/2022/04/25112030-gettyimages-116030925_cover_1280x853.jpg

https://iamjosemanuel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/sam_6484.jpg

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.trip.com%2Fmoments%2Fdetail%2Fvigan-14661-119565988%2F&psig=AOvVaw26p3Q4PIG-OYxTShxu8fmr&ust=1740576310706000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBMQjRxqFwoTCIiBs5n23osDFQAAAAAdAAAAABBP

How I Spent My Christmas Vacation

Looking back at my Christmas vacation, I feel very happy and grateful. It was one of the best holidays I have ever had. Every moment was special, from the fun year-end party to the amazing trips with my family. This vacation was filled with laughter, adventure, and quality time with the people I love.

Our trip to Baguio City was an unforgettable experience. It was not just about picking up my brother from college but also about making wonderful memories together. We started by visiting SM City Baguio, where we enjoyed shopping, eating delicious food, and admiring the beautiful view of the city. It felt so nice to be in a place with a cool and refreshing breeze.

One of the most peaceful places we visited was the Baguio Bamboo Sanctuary. The tall bamboo trees and quiet surroundings made me feel like I was in another world. It was a great place to relax and appreciate nature. Another highlight of our trip was visiting the BenCab Museum in Tuba, Benguet. Seeing the beautiful artworks and learning more about Filipino culture made me appreciate how rich and creative our heritage is.

                                                                      Bamboo Sanctuary

BenCab

After celebrating Christmas at home, we went on another adventure, this time to La Union. Staying at a beachside hotel was an incredible experience. Waking up to the sound of waves and feeling the soft sand under my feet made me feel so relaxed and happy. One of my favorite moments was watching the surfers skillfully ride the waves. It was so mesmerizing that I could have watched them all day.

Aside from enjoying the beach, we explored different places in La Union. Agoo Eco Park was a peaceful and green place, perfect for nature walks and family bonding. Another amazing stop was Bahay na Bato in Luna, where we saw unique stone art and sculptures. The creativity of the artists was truly inspiring. We also visited Lakay Ago Nature’s Park, which was surrounded by beautiful greenery. Being in nature made me feel calm and refreshed.

      Agoo Eco Park

                                                                       

Kitty:3

Bahay Na Bato

                                                                                         ...

Aside from our family trips, I also made sure to spend time with my
friends. Whether we met in person or chatted online, I felt happy staying connected with them. These moments reminded me that friendships are important, no matter how busy life gets.

This vacation taught me many things. I learned that happiness does not come from expensive things but from the people we share our time with. Traveling to new places, enjoying nature, and spending time with loved ones made this Christmas unforgettable. It was the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and bonding. I will always treasure these memories, and I hope to have more wonderful experiences like this in the future.

A New Year, But Still the Same Me

 The new year always comes with this unspoken pressure to change, be better, be different, be new. People set resolutions, rebrand themselves, and act like flipping the calendar automatically resets who they are. But for me? I still feel like the same person I was last year. Same personality, same habits, same struggles. 

 Maybe I expected some kind of shift, some realization that would make everything feel fresh. But the truth is, the past doesn’t just disappear overnight. It lingers. It sticks to you like an old song you can’t get out of your head. 

 And yet, despite feeling like nothing has changed, I still have hope. Hope that things can get better, even if I don’t feel brand new. Hope that I’ll figure things out, even if I don’t have all the answers now. Maybe change doesn’t happen in a single moment, maybe it’s slow, creeping in when we least expect it. 

 So this year, I’m not aiming for a “new me.” I’m just trying to trust myself a little more, be patient with my own growth, and believe that, eventually, things will shift. It’s okay if I don’t feel different right now. Maybe, in time, I will.

THEMATIC: Strengthening Protections Against Gender-Based Violence and Harassment

 

RA 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) and RA 11313 (The Safe Spaces Act of 2019) are two essential pieces of legislation in the Philippines aimed at addressing gender-based violence and promoting a culture of respect and safety. Although they focus on different aspects of violence and harassment, these laws are interconnected in their shared goal of protecting individuals from sexual violence and harassment and ensuring that they can live free from fear and exploitation.

RA 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997)

The Anti-Rape Law of 1997, or RA 8353, was a groundbreaking law that redefined and strengthened the legal framework for addressing rape and other forms of sexual violence. It expanded the definition of rape to include non-consensual acts beyond traditional penetration, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to protecting victims. This law made it easier for survivors to seek justice without facing undue victim-blaming or scrutiny. With provisions that mandated victim support and counseling, RA 8353 also emphasized the importance of creating a legal process that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of the survivor.

RA 11313 (The Safe Spaces Act of 2019)

The Safe Spaces Act, or RA 11313, which came into effect in 2019, aimed to combat gender-based harassment in both public spaces and online environments. Often referred to as the "Bawal Bastos" law, it targeted acts such as catcalling, wolf-whistling, unwanted sexual advances, and other forms of harassment that contribute to an unsafe environment for women and the LGBTQ+ community. This law recognized that harassment, whether verbal, physical, or through digital means, violates a person’s right to a safe and dignified space. By setting penalties for these behaviors and mandating educational programs, the Safe Spaces Act sought to reduce the frequency of harassment and empower victims to report these offenses.

While RA 8353 focuses on severe acts of sexual violence, such as rape, RA 11313 complements it by addressing harassment and creating a preventative framework. Both laws reflect a commitment to ending gender-based violence and protecting the rights of individuals, particularly women and marginalized groups. The Safe Spaces Act can be seen as an extension of the protective measures established by RA 8353, aiming to stop harassment before it escalates to more serious crimes like rape.

For example, when individuals experience harassment under the Safe Spaces Act, it can be a precursor to more severe offenses, such as assault or rape. By addressing these behaviors at their root, the Safe Spaces Act helps prevent incidents that could lead to situations covered under RA 8353. Together, these laws create a comprehensive system of protection: RA 8353 provides a strong response for those who have already been victims of sexual violence, while RA 11313 works to prevent harassment that could potentially escalate into more serious forms of abuse.

Both RA 8353 and RA 11313 are significant for promoting gender equality and fostering an environment where people feel secure. They reflect the evolving understanding of gender-based violence and harassment in society, showing that prevention, support, and legal redress are all crucial to protecting individuals. Through these laws, the Philippines demonstrates its commitment to addressing violence against women and other vulnerable populations, creating a safer and more equitable society.

In conclusion, RA 8353 and RA 11313 are interrelated in their mission to safeguard individuals from gender-based violence and harassment. Together, they work to establish a society where individuals are protected from harm, have the ability to seek justice, and live in environments that promote dignity, safety, and respect.

references:

https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Rape.jpg

https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.IuOCbSyLBzzbxn8ak1V3CAHaGN?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain

REFLECTION: My Experience with HTML and Web Customization

 At the start of our second quarter, we delved deep into the study of HTML, exploring its fundamental components and learning how to structure and design web pages effectively. Though, HTML was not a new word for me, now it was unfamiliar. The session started with an overview of the basic HTML tags, such as <html>, <head>, <title>, and <body>, which form the building blocks of any webpage. Understanding these tags laid a strong foundation for learning more complex elements later on. We learned how to create a simple webpage structure, and the class worked through examples to practice using these tags to make sure we were comfortable with them.

As we progressed, we moved on to more detailed aspects of HTML, including the use of font face tags and background color attributes. This part of the lesson was particularly interesting because it demonstrated how to add a more personalized touch to web pages. Using tags like <font> to change the font style and attributes such as bgcolor to adjust the background color gave our web pages a more customized and visually appealing look. It was amazing to see how small changes in code could result in a significant difference in the appearance of a page. Learning how to modify the text color, background color, and font styles made me realize the power of HTML in enhancing user experience and engagement.

One of the more challenging parts of the class was understanding and working with frames. The <frameset> tag and its related attributes, such as rows and cols, were a bit confusing at first. It was difficult to grasp how the content could be divided into separate, resizable sections within one webpage and how the <frame> tag would fit into the overall layout. The concept of creating multiple, independent sections with their own content took some time to process, and it felt like a complex way of designing web layouts. However, after some practice and troubleshooting, I finally started to understand how frames work and how to use them effectively to display different pieces of content side by side or stacked vertically. I can now appreciate how frames can be useful for certain web design needs, even though they are less commonly used today in favor of more modern CSS techniques.

In addition to frames, we also studied the use of tables, which are essential for organizing data and creating structured layouts on a webpage. Tables involve a combination of tags such as <table>, <tr>, <td>, and <th>, which help to define the table structure, rows, and cells. This part of the lesson was more straightforward compared to frames, as it was easier to visualize how data could be presented in rows and columns. We also learned how to customize tables using attributes like border, cellspacing, and cellpadding to modify their appearance and spacing. Creating tables with these tags gave me a deeper understanding of how to present organized information and create more complex page layouts.

Overall, this class was an eye-opening experience that expanded my knowledge of HTML and its capabilities. Although some parts, such as frames, were difficult at first, the challenge made me more determined to learn and understand the material. By the end of the session, I felt more confident in my ability to use various HTML tags to create and design web pages. The knowledge I gained about customizing text, using background colors, and designing with tables will undoubtedly be useful as I continue to develop my web design skills. Even though HTML is only the starting point, I now have a better appreciation for how it serves as the backbone of web development and how it can be used creatively to build functional and attractive websites.

references:

https://www.codingal.com/resources/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/h1.png

Elpidio Quirino: Early Life, Career, and Legacy as the Sixth President of the Philippines: bp 4

 

 Elpidio Quirino was the sixth President of the Philippines, serving from 1948 to 1953. He is known for his leadership during the post-World War II era, helping to rebuild the nation and laying the groundwork for economic recovery and development.

(Elpidio Quirino in his early days)

Elpidio Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He was the second of 10 children in a family of modest means. Quirino's father, Mariano Quirino, was a lawyer and public servant, which influenced his interest in law and public service. He completed his early education in Vigan and then pursued higher studies at the University of the Philippines College of Law, where he earned his law degree and passed the bar exam in 1915.

Quirino started his career as a lawyer and quickly became involved in politics. He was elected as a representative of Ilocos Sur to the Philippine Assembly in 1919 and later served as a senator from 1925 to 1931. His work in the government included contributions to policies related to public welfare and social issues.

In 1935, when the Commonwealth of the Philippines was established under President Manuel L. Quezon, Quirino was appointed as the first Secretary of the Budget, playing an essential role in laying the financial framework for the new government. During World War II, he was exiled in the United States when the Japanese occupation of the Philippines began. After the war, Quirino returned to the Philippines and was elected Vice President under President Sergio Osmena in 1946.

Elpidio Quirino's presidency was marked by efforts to rebuild the country after the devastation of World War II. He launched the Rehabilitation Finance Corporation (RFC) to support economic recovery, providing loans to businesses and farmers affected by the war. Quirino also established the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946, which secured U.S. assistance to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure.

Under Quirino's leadership, the Philippines experienced economic growth and modernization. He was instrumental in negotiating with the United States for aid and assistance under the Bell Trade Act, which allowed for trade between the Philippines and the U.S. under favorable conditions. Quirino’s administration also focused on social welfare, initiating programs to improve public health, education, and housing for the poor.

In the realm of foreign policy, Quirino worked to strengthen the Philippines’ ties with the United States and other countries. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Philippine-American Treaty of 1951, which reinforced defense and economic partnerships between the two nations.

Elpidio Quirino's presidency is remembered for his determination and ability to lead the nation during a challenging period of reconstruction and growth. However, his administration also faced criticism for corruption and political issues, which affected his popularity. Despite these challenges, Quirino's contributions to rebuilding the nation and promoting economic recovery were significant. After leaving the presidency, he continued to play a role in public service and advocacy until his death on February 29, 1956. His leadership during the post-war period left an enduring mark on the country's path to modernization and development.

(Elpidio Quirino's funeral, March 5, 1956)

references:

https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/news/06/27/20220627-former-president-elpidio-quirino-02.jpg

https://kahimyang.com/resources-9/quirino-1948.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/3855/14830630761_dbdcb8a716_b.jpg