catherinealves

  Many Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year, even if they are not of Chinese descent.     This is because of a long history of Chinese people living in the Philippines and sharing their culture.     Chinese traders and immigrants came to the Philippines long ago, marrying Filipinos and becoming part of the community.     Over time, Chinese New Year traditions became part of Filipino culture, especially in places like Binondo in Manila, the oldest Chinatown in the world. Filipinos love celebrating Chinese New Year because it's all about good luck, wealth, and family.    The bright colors, delicious food (like tikoy and hopia), fun dances, and the feeling of new beginnings are very appealing.    Giving ampao (lucky money) adds to the excitement and happiness. Celebrating Chinese New Year also brings Filipinos together, regardless of their background.    It's a time for everyone to share traditions and build stronger relation...

  Vigan started as a busy trading port in the 1500s.     Ships came from all over, bringing goods and making Vigan rich.     Wealthy people built amazing houses, which are still there today.     These houses show a mix of Spanish and Asian styles. Then, the Spanish came and changed Vigan. They built churches and made the streets into a grid pattern is like a checkerboard.    They also made the famous cobblestone streets.    This was a big change for the people who lived here. Now, Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's super important and protected.    Lots of tourists come to see its beautiful old buildings and streets.    Tourism is now a big part of Vigan's economy. The challenge for Vigan is to keep its history while also growing and changing.    It needs to balance tourism with the needs of the people who live there.    Protecting Vigan means protecting its buildings, its ...

Every year, many people make New Year's resolutions, promises to improve themselves.    While the idea is great, most resolutions fail. We make resolutions because a new year feels like a fresh start.    It's a chance to change, and that feeling is motivating.    But our brains are not naturally good at changing habits.    Habits are like well-worn paths in our brains, it takes effort to create new ones.    Plus, we often set goals that are too big, making it hard to stay motivated.    If we slip up, we might give up completely. I will make my goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.    Instead of "eat healthier," i’ll "eat one more serving of vegetables each day."Big goals are overwhelming.    I will divide them into smaller, easier steps. Setbacks happen. I will tell friends or family about my goals. Having others to help you stay on track makes a big difference.  Making resol...

During the holidays, I cherish spending time with my family. We attend Simbang Gabi together, share in household chores, and I love playing with my niece.    We also make time to go out with friends and strengthen our bonds. Last Christmas was unlike the Christmas  before. Our family wasn't complete anymore, and things had changed a lot.    Our Noche Buena was quiet; there was no feast, no noise, and we all just went to sleep. No one even woke up.    It was a sad experience, but in the midst of it, I learned the importance of accepting change and finding peace in the face of sorrow.

  The Philippines, like many nations, faces a significant challenge in combating violence against women (VAW). The 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS)     reveals a disturbing reality: nearly one in five women have endured emotional, physical, or sexual violence from their current or most recent intimate partner. This underscores the urgent need for robust legal frameworks and comprehensive support systems to protect women and children.   The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262)    serves as a  cornerstone in the fight against VAW. This landmark legislation recognizes the multifaceted nature of violence, encompassing physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. RA 9262 provides crucial legal remedies and protections for victims,   Protection Orders: The law establishes three types of protection orders: Barangay Protection Order (BPO), Temporary Protection Order (TPO), and Permanent Protec...

  October marks National Indigenous Peoples Month in the Philippines, a time for reflection and celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions represented by our Indigenous Peoples (IPs). This year, the commemoration holds special significance as we mark the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) under the theme: “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana” (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge). This theme underscores the crucial importance of recognizing and protecting not only the rights of IPs but also the invaluable knowledge systems they hold. This program promotes and protects IP rights through various initiative. These include increased public awareness campaigns designed to educate Filipinos about the diverse cultures and challenges faced by IPs. These initiatives also put into bold relief the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems in addressing challenges such ...