Edz Keon

  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...