"A Better Place"

Blessed with intellect and a set of skills, we, the human race, have been placed on Earth for a purpose, and it is our duty in life to discover exactly what that purpose is. As stated in the Bible, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I believe giving back to society is, quite simply, a responsibility.

Many feel the task of positive change is impossible, something to be left to visionaries, however, I believe each and every one of us can make a difference. And we can start this moment. Changing the world begins with improving who we are on the inside. We each have a unique identity and our own distinct thoughts. These thoughts often propel us to act. So, by mindfully centering our thoughts in a positive direction, we can improve our actions and thus our character.

I can improve the world by consciously looking around and thinking, at every opportunity, how can I help? The most powerful way one can change the world isn’t simply by doing one thing, but instead is a way of life revolving around the concept of altruism. While some may side with the philosopher Hobbes and argue that every act is tainted by primal human desires of remembrance and power, and thus is not truly selfless, I disagree. Charitable acts are not selfish because they improve our society as a whole.

An altruistic act may be as small as smiling and wishing someone “Good morning.” By completing small acts of kindness, I can gradually make the world a better place. Eventually, when I have the means, these small acts will evolve into greater deeds: helping people in less developed countries, adopting a child, or choosing a career where I improve lives. This lifestyle and kind acts all stem from the same root: self-improvement.

source of image: https://images.app.goo.gl/38rBdQxGTy9ovJAQ7

"Feast Commemoration"

The Vigan City Fiesta is held every January 25. It is celebrated during the feast day of the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. St. Paul is Vigan City’s patron saint. Before his conversion, St. Paul was known as Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians. After he was touched by a personal encounter with Jesus Christ on his way to Damascus, his name was changed to Paul and he endured a lot of hardships and danger to spread the word of God to far places.

 Vigan’s main church, the Metropolitan Cathedral is dedicated to St. Paul and it stands at the core of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. The major Catholic educational institution in Vigan that stands beside the church is also dedicated to the patron, the St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur. The Vigan City Fiesta usually lasts for several days. It includes within the period the celebration of the anniversary of the cityhood of Vigan, which is commemorated every January 27.

Biguenos from all over the country and even abroad return to Vigan, as it is the custom of Filipinos to return to their hometown to join their family and friends in the celebration of their fiesta. They are joined by thousands of visitors from other parts of the Philippines and other countries in enjoying the cultural shows, parades and street dancing prepared by the local government with the help of the local industries and communities. There are also food fairs, arts and crafts exhibits, as well as a visiting carnival.

source of image: https://images.app.goo.gl/mTcAPrKKgREYKMZN6

"New Through the Lightness"

New Year doesn’t define that the person is automatically new also, it defines the actions on them on their true vary. New Year defines that what’s new is a new journey again to look forward, a new start of being who you are and what you are now from the past till the present. It’s a large blessing to accept and appreciate the new existence in our world, a new friend that we’ll come along again in every seconds, minutes, and hours until 365 days to say goodbye again.

                Appreciating a full of heart to 2019 for giving all I’ve experienced a lot of precise and repulsive journeys. The hard work that I overcome, the happiness that is only temporary but memorable, and the sadness experience that made me stronger and to forget for the best of me, a massive thankful to a friend for joining me from the fledge until the extremity, for the darkness that let me to see more lightness that I deserve, it’s hectic but the only choice is acceptance. Welcoming 2020, a new friend in a new journey or experience from the start to be punctual, the center of presence challenges, and the finale to satisfy the relation. A new path to the future on who you are from the early and to tell to neglect the past that the repulsive that I experience is that I don’t deserve, and promise to restore a full of happiness and gracefulness that I deserve.

                A change on a person defines that darkness is that we don’t deserve, it gives more and more lightness we deserve to be who we are. For a new journey in a long journey, that should give us the rise of lightness and the demoting of darkness. The lightness we need is our inspiration to take us the path to our future.

source of image: https://images.app.goo.gl/urLDhimHwfi7Kz4i6