Mahal Kita from the Bottom of my Hypothalamus: 

 How People Express Love on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to ancient Rome, where a priest named Saint Valentine secretly officiated marriages despite an emperor’s decree against it. Eventually, his story became a symbol of love and sacrifice, and over time, February 14 was marked as a day to celebrate love. The tradition spread worldwide, evolving into the modern Valentine’s Day we know today, filled with flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt letters.

In the Philippines, love is a huge part of our culture. We are naturally affectionate, expressive, and family-oriented. Valentine’s Day is not just for romantic couples, rather, it’s a time when people show appreciation for their loved ones, whether through small gestures or grand surprises. It’s common to see students giving love letters, office workers exchanging sweets, and even families dining out together. Filipino parents may give chocolates to their children, and barkadas (friend groups) often celebrate “Galentine’s” or “Broentine’s” Day as a fun twist on the occasion.

Beyond personal relationships, businesses also join the celebration. Restaurants offer romantic dinner promos, florists are flooded with bouquet orders, and malls host events like mass weddings—proving that love, in all forms, is a big deal for Filipinos.

At its core, Valentine’s Day reminds us that love comes in many forms. Whether it’s between couples, families, friends, or even self-love, we must take this opportunity to appreciate the people who matter most.

So, whether you’re celebrating with your special someone, your family, or your barkada, 

what matters most is showing love in a way that’s meaningful to you.

“I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. ”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

REFERENCES:

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1498135-the-notebook

https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/best-valentines-day-movies-1608658567.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.731xh;0,0.0584xh&resize=1200:

http://thegraphicsfairy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Victorian-Valentine-Image-GraphicsFairy.jpg

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK: CBR JOURNEY

 Throughout our Community-Based Research (CBR) journey, we faced challenges, discovered new insights, and strengthened our teamwork. From initial research to the final webpage, every step was a learning experience that helped us grow. Through this series of photos, we share our process, highlighting the dedication and effort that brought our project to life.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

Our journey began with a group discussion and online research to understand the scope of our project. We explored reliable sources, gathered preliminary data, and brainstormed how we could best present our research. This phase helped us set our goals and create a clear action plan moving forward.

Virtual Collaboration
Amid the Holidays

Despite the Christmas break, our team remained committed. Through Messenger, we guided each other step by step, planning how the website’s structure would be organized. We discussed how each chapter would be presented and made sure everyone was aligned with the vision for our final output.

Gathering Expert Insights

One of the most important aspects of our research was conducting interviews with local authorities. We asked them about the initiatives and protocols they implement during emergencies and calamities. Their valuable insights gave us a deeper understanding of real-world disaster response efforts in our community. And for a clearer understanding, we took notes during the interview.

Bringing It All Together in Writing

 After collecting our research data, we worked together on Google Docs to draft our final report for submission. Everyone contributed to writing, refining, and ensuring that our research findings were well-organized and insightful. This stage required patience, teamwork, and careful attention to detail.

Turning Research into a Digital Platform

With our research finalized, we moved on to web development, using our knowledge of HTML and CSS to create an engaging, informative webpage. This phase combined our technical skills with creativity, ensuring our research was presented in an accessible and visually appealing way. After weeks of designing, coding, and refining, we proudly launched our final website, showcasing the culmination of our hard work and dedication. Seeing our research come to life in a functional website was a rewarding experience, reinforcing the value of teamwork and perseverance.

Our Community-Based Research project was more than just an academic requirement, rather, it was a journey of discovery, collaboration, and growth. Through teamwork and dedication, we turned our research into something meaningful, showcasing the power of knowledge and digital storytelling.

3RD QUARTER REFLECTION

     One of the most exciting things I have learned this quarter is the deeper understanding of HTML, specifically how to use unordered and ordered lists, including nested lists. These elements allowed me to create more structured and visually organized webpages. As we progressed, we also integrated advanced CSS techniques, which made our web pages more polished and aesthetically appealing. Another significant aspect of our learning was the Community-Based Research (CBR) project, where we focused on the category of Environment and Emergency Response. This project not only improved our technical skills but also broadened our understanding of real-world issues, making the learning process even more meaningful.

However, this quarter was not without its struggles. The biggest challenge we faced was the feeling of being rushed. As 10th graders, we were approaching our completion ceremony, and the urgency to finish the last two quarters quickly created an intense learning pace. This made it difficult to fully absorb all the information and apply it effectively. There were times when I felt overwhelmed by the workload, trying to balance learning new coding techniques with conducting thorough research for our CBR project. The pressure was real, and it tested my ability to adapt and manage time efficiently.

To overcome these challenges, I had to be strategic with my approach to learning. I focused on breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable portions to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Time management became essential, and I made sure to set aside dedicated time for both research and website development. Collaboration with my peers also played a huge role in making the process smoother, we helped each other understand complex topics and provided support whenever someone was struggling. Additionally, I made use of online resources and tutorials to reinforce my understanding of HTML and CSS, ensuring that I could keep up with the fast-paced curriculum.

Moving forward, I want to continue improving my skills in web development. I have realized how powerful these tools are in creating dynamic and interactive web pages, and I want to push myself further in mastering them. Beyond technical skills, I also want to enhance my research and analytical abilities, as they are crucial for tackling real-world problems effectively. Lastly, I will strive to maintain better time management to ensure I can balance learning, creativity, and personal well-being. This quarter may have felt like a whirlwind, but it has reinforced my love for learning and problem-solving, and I am excited to carry these lessons forward into the future.

REFERENCE:

https://www.pngitem.com/pimgs/m/391-3917813_html-css-icon-html-css-logo-png-transparent.png

Gong Xi Fa Cai, Pilipinas!

 Why Do Filipinos Celebrate Chinese New Year?

As Chinese New Year approaches, the streets of Binondo's Chinatown and other parts of the Philippines come alive with vibrant decorations, firecrackers, and festive performances. Even non-Chinese Filipinos eagerly join in by buying tikoy, wearing red for luck, and watching parades. This widespread celebration stems from the deep history of the Filipino-Chinese community, shared cultural values, and a collective hope for prosperity and unity.

The Chinese presence in the Philippines dates back centuries before Spanish colonization. As early as the 9th century, Chinese merchants sailed across the South China Sea to trade goods such as silk, ceramics, and spices with Filipino traders. By 1594, the Spanish colonial government officially established Parian de San Fernando, the first Chinese settlement in Manila, allowing Chinese migrants to integrate into Filipino society. Over time, many Chinese settlers intermarried with Filipinos, giving rise to the Tsinoy (Filipino-Chinese) community, which remains one of the most influential ethnic groups in the country today.

Through centuries of trade, migration, and intermarriage, Chinese traditions naturally became intertwined with Filipino culture. Practices such as Feng Shui, the use of lucky charms, and celebrating the Lunar New Year were embraced by Chinese families and Filipinos who saw value in these customs.

Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year because its traditions align with their values and culture. The emphasis on good fortune and prosperity through angpao, tikoy, and Feng Shui reflects Filipinos' aspirations for wealth and success. The tradition of family reunions mirrors Filipino gatherings like Noche Buena, highlighting close family ties and respect for elders. Lastly, the festive atmosphere, with dragon dances, red decorations, and fireworks, feels similar to local fiestas, making the celebration enjoyable and widely embraced across the country.

So, whether one is of Chinese descent or not, celebrating Chinese New Year in the Philippines is an opportunity to welcome the new year with optimism, generosity, and a shared hope for a brighter future. Gōng xǐ fā cái! (Wishing you prosperity!)

REFERENCE:

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIF.5aILuneizOmmyscKh9S2Iw&pid=Api&P=0&h=180

All Hail, VIGAN CITY!

 Gem of the North, a centuries-old city  ♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.

Vigan is more than just a city; it’s a living, breathing piece of history.

Long before the Spanish arrived, it was already a bustling trade hub where Chinese merchants bartered goods with indigenous Filipinos. But in 1572, Juan de Salcedo, a Spanish conquistador, saw its potential and established Villa Fernandina, turning it into the political and religious heart of Northern Luzon. Over the years, Vigan blossomed into a fascinating mix of Asian and European influences, its grand ancestral houses and cobblestone streets telling tales of its storied past.

Even as the world around it changed, Vigan held on to its identity. It officially became a city on December 27, 2000, under Republic Act No. 8988, but its significance had long been recognized. In 1999, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, honoring it as the best-preserved Spanish colonial town in Asia. Every brick, every street, and every kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) rolling by is a reminder of its deep history. Walking through Calle Crisologo feels like stepping into a different era where tradition, resilience, and beauty continue to thrive.

Today, Vigan thrives as a perfect blend of past and present. Tourists ride horse-drawn kalesas through streets lined with heritage houses that glow golden under the soft evening lights. The scent of empanadas and bagnet fills the air, inviting visitors to taste its culinary wonders. More than just a destination, Vigan is an experience; a city that whispers stories of resilience, culture, and timeless beauty to all who walk its historic streets.

REFERENCE/S:

https://preview.redd.it/28xfdvtpcpo01.jpg?auto=webp&s=1557cc4859d7e95c65aaabf8b2ee308cc26dcb6e