THE DAY OF VALOR 

We all live at numerous crossroads, fear and valor being one of them, and when we choose valor, we strengthen ourselves even more, making the choice easier each time. This is how we grow into brave people whose stories are told and retold. A hero who has dedicated his or her life to a cause larger than themselves. A country at work, a community that cares. Always remember and never forget. The Day of Valor, also known as Araw ng Kagitingan, honors the valor of Filipinos and American soldiers during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. Major General Edward P. King of the US Army was compelled to surrender over 76,000 Filipinos, Chinese, and American soldiers to the Japanese on April 9, 1942. To get to Camp O'Donnell in San Fernando, the soldiers had to travel 90 miles (145 kilometers). Thousands of convicts died during the journey (also known as the Bataan Death March) as a result of starvation, thirst, and infections.

The captured soldiers remained resolute in the face of defeat, and heroes developed from the experience. The surrender of Bataan facilitated the collapse of Corregidor. The Japanese, on the other hand, would have quickly overrun all US bases in the Pacific if they hadn't taken this stance. Bataan forced them to come to a halt, giving the allies valuable time to prepare for upcoming battles like the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. The Bataan peninsula was retaken by American and Filipino liberation troops on February 8, 1945. They faced huge challenges and endured hunger and thirst. They marched for several hundred kilometers after the fall of Bataan. We can all see how much they suffer, almost to death, yet they channel their rage into a good purpose, ensuring that the brave and empathic version of themselves leads them to victory.

The Day of Valor was a national holiday until November 26, 1980, when the Philippine government issued Letter of Instruction No. 1087 declaring "Araw ng Kagitingan" a national public holiday to honor those who helped bring democracy and independence to the Philippines during World War II. April 9 was also named as "Araw Ng Kagitingan" by Executive Order No. 203, issued June 30, 1987, to remember the heroes of Bataan, Corregidor, and Bessang. With this year's theme "Kagitingan ay Gawing Gabay, Pandemya ay Mapagtatagumpayan," the week-long commemoration of the Day of Valor was not only a grateful and meaningful time to acknowledge and promote the deeds of Filipino War veterans, not only those who sacrificed their lives, but also those who rendered honorable military service in defending our country to its limits, but it also serves as a reminder that, despite all odds, our We must never forget that the finest form of thankfulness is not to say words but to live by them when we show our gratitude. We should give importance the sacrifices of our heroes and Filipino's bravery should be celebrated. 

REFERENCES:

https://tinainmanila.com/2021/04/08/reminder-holiday-pay-for-araw-ng-kagitingan-april-9-friday/

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fdlsumafia%2Fstatus%2F1115464354860752897&psig=AOvVaw2hC5AqvjjWLhonwkcvDJYW&ust=1648346532748000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCLD0ya_n4vYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.britannica.com%2Fevent%2FBataan-Death-March&psig=AOvVaw3xhfpcxNUW9jHL9y9TJVdZ&ust=1648346472610000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCPCzkN7n4vYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD 

 

LENTEN SEASON

            Every year, the Roman Catholic Church commemorates our Lord Jesus Christ's sacrifices during the Lenten season. It is a Roman Catholic custom, and it is a highly special day for this religion. This day will commemorate Jesus' long-ago sacrifice for the welfare of all humanity. Many people do not look forward to Lent. Giving up candy as a kid or sitting through weekly Stations of the Cross come to mind right away. Words like "sacrifice," "discipline," and "self-denial" are frequently employed in ways that imply Lent is a period of suffering rather than grace and spiritual progress.

            Have you ever considered Lent as a once-a-year second chance? Every year, the Church allows us six weeks to reflect on our lives and evaluate if our values and priorities are in line with God's purposes for us. Since most of us have strayed from God's path, Lent provides us with a second chance, or do-over, to "return to God with our full heart." Every year on April 14-15, they commemorate Jesus Christ's sacrifice. The Catholic Church recommends all Catholics to fast and refrain from meat on specified days during Lent to motivate them to accomplish at least a minimum. Fasting entails only eating one complete meal per day, with the possibility of two smaller meals. Abstinence requires abstaining from eating meat, with the exception of fish. Catholics must observe all days of fasting and abstinence, according to one of the Church's precepts.

            We're spotlighting Lenten activities and memories of those who have shared their tales with us. This is a crucial occasion for Catholics to recognize and remember what Jesus Christ did for us to become safe. Their stories range from the religious and traditional to the innovative and unusual, but they all represent attempts to make Lent a meaningful time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. Invite family members to talk about their Lent plans, goals, and desires. Decide to back each other up in anything you decide to undertake. Remember that each step gets you closer to our loving God's welcoming arms as you travel through this annual second chance.

REFERENECES:

https://www.stmm.org.au/2020/02/lenten-journey-2020/

https://www.ucanews.com/uploads/2021/02/check-602cb0bee128d_600.jpeg

https://d1bv4heaa2n05k.cloudfront.net/user-images/1458302427595/shutterstock-133401287_main_1458302434892.jpeg

 

KANNAWIDAN SIGNIFICANCE

        

               Before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, Vigan, as it is now known, was a prosperous trading post for Chinese merchants and indigenous people from the Cordillera Mountains in the Philippines' north-east. The South China Sea, sometimes known as the West Philippine Sea, is located to the west. The entrance of the Spanish galleons added to the mix of Chinese, Spaniards, and our Filipino ancestors that contributed to the development of Vigan, as we know it today. As the capital of Ilocos Sur, a yearly celebration of the city's culture, history, traditions, local craftsmanship, talents, and agricultural goods, known as KANNAWIDAN, lasted for a week. Anyone visiting Vigan will immediately recognize the Spanish influences in the architecture, which is made up of native items like as Ilocos bricks, kapiz shells, and the cobbled-stone roadway known as Calle Crisologo.

            This contains the primary products of each municipality in the lowland, such as longganisa, chicharon, and iloko pakbet, as well as woven textiles and indigenous handicrafts from the many municipalities of Cordillera. Kannawidan is a celebration of who we are, a thanksgiving, and a sharing of one another's crafts and products for us Ilocanos. We proudly display our culture and customs to the rest of the globe.

            Kannawidan is the Ilocanos' way of thanking the Almighty for not only the many benefits, but also for the province's rich tradition, which includes deep family relationships among the Ilocanos. The festival focuses largely on Ilocano youngsters. It's because Ilocano culture isn't well-known among the province's younger generations. Instead, there is a focus on contemporary dances. Ilocano children will be able to appreciate their rich culture and customs if they participate in projects like this. This is why the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is held. It encourages younger generations to learn the province of Ilocos Sur's traditional songs and dances.

        Even though there are pandemic, our Governor Ryan Singson make a way to celebrate the Kannawidan.  Kannawidan is not just celebrating it is way to respect our ancestors and even though there are pandemic or so what there is a way to celebrated the Pride of Ilocano. The Kannawidan Ylocos Festival invites younger generations to learn the province of Ilocos Sur's indigenous songs and dances.

REFERENCES:

https://saluyot.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/kannawidan-ylocos-festival-2015/ 

https://tawidnewsmag.com/2019-kannawidan-festival-sta-lucia-captures-streetdancing-crown/ 

https://www.suyoilocossur.gov.ph/kannawidan-festival-opening-ritual-by-the-suyo-district-teachers-and-students/

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/travel-and-tourism/2022/02/12/2160380/ilocos-sur-celebrates-kannawidan-2022