John Carl

          Vigan, in the Philippines, is well-known for its rich historical and cultural legacy. Vigan, founded in the 16th century, served as a center for Spanish colonial commerce in Asia and was once considered as the region's most important commercial and cultural centre. The city's well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture includes cobblestone streets, red-tiled roofs, and antique residences. The homes combine Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous Ilocano architectural features, demonstrating the city's unique mixing of civilizations.     Vigan's history is closely connected with its famed fiesta, which is held on the third Sunday of January. The centerpiece of the celebration is the Vigan Fiesta Street Dancing, in which participants dress up in colorful costumes and execute energetic dance routines to the beat of indigenous musical instruments.  One of the festival's highlights is the Vigan Fiesta Street Dancing, in which participants dres...

    The second quarter of the academic year provided an exceptional opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Through contemplation and self-awareness, I was able to identify areas for improvement and gain a better understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses. Although this period was difficult, it also included moments of clarity and new insight. I have no doubt that the experiences and knowledge I gained during this time will have an impact on my future growth and development. I'm grateful for the opportunity to consider my personal development in depth, and I'd like to share my thoughts on the experience.        One of the main topics I focused on was time management. I came to the conclusion that if I wanted to succeed academically and personally, I needed to approach my obligations with more intention and initiative. By setting priorities and staying organized, I was able to be more productive and experience less stress. Because of my improved tim...

            The new normal Christmas experience was a difficult one for many people, myself included. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of the traditional holiday activities and gatherings had to be cancelled or modified in order to prevent the spread of the virus. This meant that many of the things that we normally do to celebrate the holiday season, such as attending visiting with loved ones, and participating in community events, were no longer possible.  Despite these challenges, many people found creative ways to celebrate the holiday season while still maintaining social distancing and other safety measures. Some people turned to virtual gatherings, while others found new ways to connect with loved ones while physically distant. Overall, while the pandemic certainly made the holiday season a difficult one, it also provided an opportunity for people to find new and innovative ways to celebrate and connect with one another.   ...

                                    As the new year approaches, it is normal to look back and consider the improvements we wish to make in the future year. One of the things that have been on my mind is whether or not the individuals in my life are good influences. In the past, I've had to make the difficult decision to cut a few people off, and it wasn't easy. I had known these individuals for a long time and had a lot of history with them, but I recognized they were toxic and causing more harm than good in my life. It was a difficult decision, but I knew it was vital for my own self.                     It is important to remember that we have the power to choose who we allow into our lives and to prioritize our own happiness. This means that we have the power to remove people from our lives that are toxic or ha...