Edz Keon

 The National Women's Celebration whether observed as International Women's Day on March 8 or as Women's History Month throughout March is far more than a symbolic gesture. In the Philippines, the 2026 National Women's Month Celebration continues under the campaign banner "WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society," drawing inspiration from the ancient Babaylans, women leaders who guided communities through wisdom, compassion, and courage. Philippine Commission on Women This connection to cultural heritage makes the celebration especially meaningful, reminding us that women's leadership is not a modern trend but a deeply rooted tradition. Globally, the 2026 theme, "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future," honors women who are at the forefront of environmental, economic, and social justice movements HISTORY, a recognition that women are not merely participants in progress but its primary architects.  Yet celebration alone is in...

 Ilocos Sur National High School recently marked its 124th Foundation Day, a milestone that highlighted over a century of dedication to education and community service. The occasion served as a reminder of the school's deep-rooted history and the strong sense of pride shared by its students, teachers, and staff.  Among the key activities was a parade that brought the entire school community together in a display of unity and school spirit. A particularly memorable part of the celebration was the dance performances organized by each year level. These presentations showcased not only the students' creativity and talent, but also the teamwork and cooperation that define the school's culture.  The event also placed great emphasis on the school's remarkable journey since its founding in 1902. Over more than a century, Ilocos Sur National High School has played a vital role in shaping generations of learners supporting them academically, socially, and personally. The celebrat...

 When I was a kid, I have known what I want to do with my life. I want to become a professional accountant. Numbers have always fascinated me, the way they tell me the story of a business. My dream is not to have a title, but to master a skill that genuinely contributes to the finance and to the people.  To achieve this dream, I am taking concrete and solid steps every single day. I am reaching for a degree in Accounting and Finance, where I build a foundation in financial reporting, and auditing. Beyond my studies, I allocate my time each week to solve and practice problems, reading financial news, and develop my skills in accounting software. Additionally, I am seeking OJT opportunities so that I can gain genuine experience and understand how accounting are applied in actual business environments.  I am fully aware that the path ahead will not always be easy. There will be challenging exams, complex concepts to master, and moments when self-doubt creeps me in. However, ...

  Every 14th of February, without fail, I find myself doing the same thing. Standing in the kitchen at an unreasonable hour, making coffee I don't strictly need, staring out at a street that looks no different from any other morning. There is a particular quality to Valentine's Day that resists cynicism, even when you've grown old enough to know better, a stubborn warmth that sneaks in through the cracks of routine. It is not the chocolates or the flowers or the restaurant reservations made weeks in advance. It is something quieter, more persistent. A soft insistence that love, in all its forms, is worth pausing for.  I have celebrated this day in wildly different circumstances. Once, so deeply in love that the day felt almost too small to contain it. Once, grieving someone I had lost the year before, surprised to find that even grief leaves room for tenderness. What strikes me now, looking back, is that none of those versions of the day were failures not even the lonely on...

Every second day of February, the province of Ilocos Sur comes alive in a grand display of culture, heritage, and community spirit. The annual Ilocos Sur Festival, celebrated to mark the province's founding anniversary, opens with a grand parade and ceremony that sets the tone for a series of activities highlighting local culture and entrepreneurship. Rooted in the Ilocano spirit of intayon, meaning "let's go" — the festival is an open invitation to witness a province that does not merely preserve its history, but actively and joyfully lives it. From the cobblestone streets of Vigan to the tobacco fields of Candon, every corner of Ilocos Sur has a story to tell, and the festival is its loudest, most colorful telling. At the heart of the celebration is a rich tapestry of Ilocano traditions. The festival serves as a showcase of indigenous performances, religious ritual, and cooking demonstrations that highlight the very best of Ilocano culture. Visitors are treated to s...

 Every January, the historic city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur comes alive with the aroma of garlic and spices as locals and tourists gather to celebrate the Vigan Longganisa Festival. This vibrant event pays tribute to one of the region's most beloved culinary treasures – the Vigan longganisa, a distinctive garlic sausage that has become synonymous with the city's food culture. Unlike other Filipino sausages that tend to be sweet, Vigan longganisa is known for its savory, garlicky flavor and smaller size, making it a unique gastronomic experience. The festival has become an important cultural event that not only showcases this local delicacy but also highlights the traditional methods of preparation that have been passed down through generations.  The festival features a wide array of activities that engage both the community and visitors. Street dancing performances fill the roads with colorful costumes and energetic choreography, while cooking competitions allow local chefs and h...