mary joyce

     Kannawidan is a festivity which the City of Vigan celebrates every year. In this festival, the Ilocano people showcase cultural shows, native products and the talents of the Ilocanos. Kannawidan Ylocos Festival became an annual festival that aims to create awareness on the preservation of the province’ rich cultural heritage, practices and traditions, and a showcase of the different agriculture and industry products of the province. There is a need to preserve our rich heritage and unique culture.      The Ylocos Region is very rich in many aspects. It is full of extraordinary historical events which made the region unique among the other regions. And this includes the foods, delicacies, literary works, tradition, ethnic music, handmade products etc.      This is such a great and important occasion for all the Ilocanos. Because this is the time to reminisce our past, our culture and to treasure it for this is our identity. This is who we are, Ilocanos.    

     Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” — Leo Tolstoy. Everyone has an opinion on what is wrong with the world, yet few will do the work to improve their own lives. Changing the world begins with improving who we are on the inside.      I can improve the world by consciously looking around and thinking, at every opportunity, How can I help? The most powerful way one can change the world isn’t simply by doing one thing, but instead is a way of life revolving around the concept of altruism. The positive impact I can make starts within myself; by becoming a truly giving person, I can change the world. While self-improvement may seem a passive process, it’s actually a challenge requiring daily practice.      If you want to change reality start with yourself first and attend to your own personal development. In doing so, problems give way to solutions and no longer affect you.

     When the new year comes around it seems like the perfect time for self-improvement. Even though I’ve always failed my new year’s resolutions, every year I promise myself that this time will be different. Everyone has an opinion on what is wrong with the world, yet few will do the work to improve their own lives.      Why do I see myself as a failure? Why do I see everyone better than me? Why do I see myself nothing? Back then, I suffered anxiety when weekdays. School means a lot of recitations and speeches in front. I always feel nervous whenever teacher asks every one of us to speak in front, I was worried because I might fail. But when time has passed, I learned to be better. Every new year, I always make a list of my resolutions.      It’s not enough to state just once, when the new year begins. You need to repeat your resolution every day, with belief and faith, and be willing to do whatever it needs to accomplish them not just repeat the words with your lips.