Where Time Froze

Are you tired of exploring modernized destinations? Take a break from the present time and let me take you to a place where history can be seen, felt, and tasted not just displayed in a museum. Welcome to the City of Vigan! Stay calm and relaxed as I travel our city and share it with you.

Before it was called Vigan City, it was once Villa Fernandina, named when the Spaniards discovered the UNESCO site we know today. As most people know, Calle Crisologo is one of the most known tourist spots in Vigan, but today I will take you somewhere else, such as the Hidden Garden, Baluarte, and RG Pottery.

But we'll always start on Calle Crisologo. Welcome to Calle Crisologo, the heart and soul of Vigan City, where every step on the cobblestone streets and among the Spanish colonial houses makes it feel like thousands of years ago. It's more than just a street; it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautifully preserved place representing our country's past. 

Next, we explored the museum located near the Vigan City Hall. It's so crazy to think that a lot of people once lived here and where a lot of Bigueños also had their last moments. It's truly amazing to be able to visit this kind of museum and to learn about the history of my city.

Now, let me take you somewhere hidden, where peace is felt among the beautiful plants around. Let me tell you that this was my favorite destination when we visited the different tourist spots. Because of its colorful and mesmerizing view, you will truly appreciate nature. Hidden garden is truly one of the most beautiful tourist spot in Vigan.

Last up is Baluarte, and if you're an animal lover, this is for you.

And with that, I am inviting you to come and travel to Vigan, because Vigan will always look like how it began. So come and explore our community because "It’s More Fun sa Pamayanan!"

That's all, and thank you for traveling with me. Until next time. 

Quarter 2 Journey - Near the melting point

Ever been so overstimulated you felt like melting? Not only because of the intense heat in our country, but also because of this quarter. This quarter was so draining, to the point that it was tearing me apart. Also, with the limited time we had, it made it harder to finish all the lessons.

As Maxwell students grew closer and became more comfortable, it felt like a big friend group. Beyond that, we also shared the same struggles. We crammed and complained about everything, but having your RELIABLE classmates around was a blessing. Those who would not get tired of helping and teaching you until you've finished a specific school work.

​I can’t even recall when Quarter 2 started all I can remember was how tiring it was, to the point that resting felt like a crime. Even at home, it still feels like I’m at school because of the homework we need to finish and pass for the next school day. In my almost four years of being an SSC student, Grade 10 schoolwork is really different from the past grade levels. Every night, you don't know what to do first because some days, two or more teachers give homework at the same time. But with time management, I’ve always finished our homework on time. I couldn't put into words how thankful I am for my friends' help whenever they assist me with something. I am truly grateful to have such helpful friends, and I wouldn't exchange them for anything.

The pressure is getting a lot more obvious. The pressure from our parents and teachers, and also the expectations, are continuing to rise, and it’s higher than ever. But keeping those in mind will never be a motivation for me expectations are distractions. They will never make me strive more to learn but they will only make me feel frustrated. Sometimes I feel like most of us are just going to school to pass, not to learn just because we're trying to meet their expectations and not disappoint our parents and teachers. So, I just disregard those thoughts and continue to do what I can do best.

This quarter may have drained me, but as I always say, it's more bearable when you share the same struggles with your friends and try to survive it together. Still, I am quite disappointed in myself in two of our subjects, but I am satisfied with the rest. To hope is to live, and I am hoping for better things to close out and end this quarter. As we say, "All is well Maxwell," I hope everything will go well as our Grade 10 journey continues and this second chapter ends.

To answer the question from my first-quarter reflection: yes, I survive, I barely survived.

Heroes without a cape

    Behind every successful person, beyond their family, there's often a teacher who helped shape them. We celebrate Teachers' Month every year to acknowledge their great dedication and hard work. Teachers are more than just educators in a classroom sometimes they become like family. They are absolutely shaping our future, guiding us to become better people, and we often don't appreciate them enough.

    The slogan, "My teacher, my hero," has been around for years. We've seen it everywhere it might even feel a little "cringe" now. But if you think deeply about the meaning behind it, it is absolutely real.

    Consider everything they do, all at once, making lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, quizzes, and, most importantly, waking up every single day just to teach us. 

    They are truly doing superhero work without a cape. Beyond the subject material, they share life lessons funny, scary, or sad stories from their own experiences that make the class lively and, honestly, sometimes more interesting than the lesson itself.

    Then, how do we make them feel loved and appreciated? The best thing I can do is show up, be present in their class, listen actively, and participate. Often, the greatest gift a teacher can receive is simply knowing that their students have genuinely learned and grown because of them.

Happy Teacher's Day!