Elaine Marie Laurente

Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, Philippines is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant celebrations, especially during fiesta. One of the most anticipated events in Vigan City is the Longganisa Festival. This festival showcases the famous Vigan longganisa, a type of sausage that is made from pork and is renowned for its unique blend of spices and flavors. During the festival, the streets are filled with food stalls selling the famous Vigan longganisa, and locals and tourists alike flock to the city to sample the delicious cuisine. In addition to the Longganisa Festival, Vigan City also celebrates fiesta with a colorful street dancing event. The highlight of this event is the statue of St. Paul, which is carried by the locals through the streets. The statue is accompanied by dancers, who are holding plates of longganisa. The dancers move to the rhythm of the music and the lively beat of the drums, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. The statue of St. Paul is a symbol of the cit...

The second quarter of the year has been a time of reflection for me. Through the challenges and successes of this period, I have learned a number of valuable lessons that will stay with me moving forward. One of the most important things I learned during this quarter is the importance of time management. I found myself struggling to keep up with all of my responsibilities and obligations, and realized that I needed to be more organized and efficient with my time in order to accomplish everything I needed to do. I also learned the importance of setting realistic goals and prioritizing my tasks in order to make the most of my time. Another important lesson I learned during this quarter is the importance of resilience. Despite facing several setbacks and obstacles, I learned that it is important to stay positive and keep pushing forward. I also learned that it is important to take breaks and take care of myself, both physically and emotionally, in order to maintain a healthy balance and b...

The start of a new year is always a time for reflection and setting new goals. It’s a time when we can leave behind the things that didn’t work out in the previous year and embrace new opportunities and challenges. It’s a time when we can make a commitment to ourselves to become the best versions of ourselves. This is why the phrase “new year, new me” has become so popular. But what does it really mean to embrace a new me? Is it about making big changes or is it about making small, incremental improvements? The answer is, it can be both. It’s about finding the balance that works for you. One way to embrace a new me is by making big, bold changes. This might mean quitting a job that you hate and finding a new one that you’re passionate about, or moving to a new city or country to start a new chapter in your life. These changes can be scary, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. Another way to embrace a new me is by making small, incremental improvements. This might mean setting a...

It’s hard to believe that we have now been living with the COVID-19 pandemic for over two years. As we approach the holiday season, it’s clear that things will not be quite the same as they were in the past. In the past, Christmas was a time for gathering with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and indulging in festive meals and treats. However, the pandemic has changed all of that.  As we enter the holiday season, it’s important to remember that we are still in the midst of a pandemic. This means that we need to be cautious and follow guidelines in order to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. This may mean that we have to celebrate Christmas in a more low-key manner than we are used to. One way that we can celebrate Christmas in the new normal is by having virtual gatherings. Thanks to technology, we can still connect with our loved ones and share in the joy of the holiday season, even if we can’t be physically together. We can also have smaller, more intimate gatherings wi...