Vigan’s Legacy Grows with Cityhood

    Vigan used to be a quiet town, known as a municipality, where people lived simple and peaceful lives. It was famous for its old Spanish houses, cobblestone streets, and the Kalesa was a common sight, and life moved at a slower pace. People took pride in their small community, where everyone knew each other, and their culture was passed down through generations. Even though it was small, Vigan's people were proud of their history and strong sense of tradition, truly defined their daily lives.

When Vigan became a city, things started to change in both big and small ways. There were new structures, more visitors came to see the place, and the roads were more crowded with new shops and activities. While new modern structures such as malls and restaurants emerged, the government made sure to protect the historical parts of Vigan, such as Calle Crisologo, where the Spanish-era houses remain, were preserved. New roads and schools were constructed, and the city grew and provided more opportunities for its people. Despite these changes, the heart of Vigan—the people and their culture—remained strong.

    Now, Vigan is a city that mixes the past and the present in a way that feels balanced. It’s bigger, more modern, and busier than before. Tourists visit to see the old streets, museums, and landmarks while locals enjoy the conveniences of city life. Vigan's evolution from a municipality to a city is a good illustration of how a city can develop while preserving its culture. It shows that progress doesn’t always mean letting go of the past but finding ways to honor it while moving forward.

Reference/s:

VIGAN CITY. (n.d.). VIGAN CITY. https://kaivigan.home.blog/

Vigan Welcome and farewell Arch - Wikimapia. (n.d.). https://wikimapia.org/7274029/Vigan-Welcome-and-Farewell-Arch

Living Beyond Expectations

    Last year was really tough. I felt like I was living under a cloud of doubt, weighed down by expectations I never asked for. Being the eldest child always carried a certain pressure, but somewhere along the way, people started seeing me as the "angry one"—the one who was always stressed, always overwhelmed. It's as if no matter what I did, that was the role I played in everyone's eyes around me. They saw my frustration but didn't see the layers beneath it: tiredness, trying to live up to standards that I never set for myself. I felt like I was being misunderstood, put into a box, and that no matter how much I tried to explain it, no one really heard me. It was not anger I clung to but the heaviness of having always been held to a high expectation of being strong, perfect, and composed at all times.

    But something changed inside of me this year. I want to change—not for people to start seeing me as different but to see myself differently. I want to get better academically, not just to earn good grades, but to actually be proud of what I'm learning and what I'm doing. I want to be nicer to my body, take care of myself, because for too long I have neglected that part of me. And mentally—mentally, I need to break free from the feeling of doubt, from the anxiety and the constant pressure. I need to be peaceful with myself. I don't want to define myself by anger or expectations. I want to be defined by the strength I know I have inside, by the quiet moments of progress that only I can recognize, and by the joy of knowing I’m growing into someone I can genuinely love and be proud of.

This year, I expect myself to embrace change, not just small, temporary adjustments but real, significant ones. I want to wake up every morning and feel like I am one step closer to becoming the person I have always imagined. I expect myself to be even patient and forgive myself for my mistakes, and to keep trying no matter what comes my way. I want to challenge myself academically, celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Physically, I expect to become stronger, healthier, and more in tune with what my body needs. I expect to be able to create space for peace, letting go of the burden of needing to be perfect and allowing myself to grow at my own pace.

    This year will be different. I am no longer going to let other people define who I am. I’m stepping into this year with hope, determination, and a promise to myself that I will continue to grow, not for anyone else, but for me.

    And you know what? I’m ready. Ready to embrace the person I’m becoming, and finally, ready to be truly happy.

Reference/s:

https://www.blogger.com/

More Than What’s Under the Christmas Tree

     

This Christmas was truly a season to remember, filled with moments that I’ll hold onto for years to come. Every year, the holidays give me the chance to slow down and spend quality time with the people who matter most in my life. But this year, it felt extra special. It wasn’t about the gifts or decorations—it was about the time spent with my loved ones that made everything feel magical.

At the beginning of the holiday season, I went out with my friends, and we visited the beach, which is my favorite place to spend time with them. There’s something about the peacefulness of the ocean that makes every moment more enjoyable and meaningful. Being at the beach with my friends brings me a sense of calm and happiness, and we always have the best conversations while enjoying the sun and sea. But what made this year even more memorable was when my favorite cousin surprised me by coming over with her family to celebrate both Christmas Eve and New Year at our house. It was an unforgettable surprise that filled my heart with excitement.

 

We made so many new memories together—we went out to our favorite spots, shopped for clothes, makeup, and, of course, our favorite foods. Those outings made the holidays feel even more special, and the time we spent together was filled with laughter and joy. On Christmas Eve, we entertained ourselves by playing a variety of games that kept the mood lively and fun. The same energy carried over to New Year's Eve, where we continued the tradition of playing games and celebrating with lots of love and excitement.

 

For me, spending time with family and loved ones is what Christmas is all about. They are so special to me because they bring out the best in the holiday season—they fill every moment with love, laughter, and warmth. Being with them reminds me that the real gifts aren’t the ones found under the tree, but the ones we share in our hearts—memories, bonds. The love and support I get from my family and friends make every Christmas even more meaningful, and I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.

Reference/s:

https://www.blogger.com/