I Change

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” 

I cannot be the same. Like the seasons, I change.

Change is in the very nature of being. It is inevitable. Every day is different from the previous one. Tides come and go. Sometimes a whole river changes its course.

Taking responsibility for your actions is important in becoming a change in the world. In order to make a change, you have to want it. If one of your friends dared you to go help an elder cross the street, you need to want to do it, not do it because your friend dared you. Be responsible if you decided to make a change in the world. Responsibility comes from within. Another good example of being the change in the world is picking up trash in parks, on the road, on sidewalk and even in sporting event places. To be responsible means to be a  cause. 

The people who are in favor of bringing changes in their life argue that change is very important to break the monotony of life. They further argue that an order to swiftly excel in your career and financial status and etc. All the advancements in technology have been achieved through bringing a change. From the marketing point of view, in order to boost the sale of a product, the best way is to bring the changes in the shape and specifications. So change, such as in your company or professional status, brings the diversity, flexibility and financial growth in the life on an individual.

A lot of people want the world to be an improved place, and in order to accomplish that goal, they need to believe they can do it. To be the change you want to see in the world means to be responsible for your actions. So let’s make a change today, even if we do it one by one, we can all make a different because life’s short, so let’s make it better by living in it and trying to change it. You don’t have to be some famous leader to make a change. Just take one step at a time. Try making a change every day, even if it’s not a huge one. The small deeds will build up to something immense over time.

Some are excerpts 

Ilocos Sur's Revival: KANNAWIDAN

It's always a great salutation for Bigueños in the new years especially because of pulsating festivities marking the start of the year! Ilocos Sur is labeled as the Heart of Ilocandia depicting richness in culture and heritage. As highlight to commemorate the jubilee of Ilocos Sur, the province has to showcase all she has through Kannawidan.

The Kannawidan festival is also an occasion to strengthen the Ilocano culture, recognize Ilocos Sur’s sons and daughters who brought honor to their province, celebrate abundant harvest or to celebrate the Ilocano spirit that continues to drive locals to boost their home province. 

To carve young talents in the field of arts, an array of talent competitions gathered the youth from choral, marching bands, traditional street dancing, traditional music ensemble, dance drama, traditional folk dancing, painting, design making and photo exhibits.

Through this event, we are able to preserve and sustain our old traditions and practices as we are also promoting our tourism industry. The traditions, customs and cultures are revived to provide more fun and in line with today's fad. This can also help in enhancing the demand of our products and livelihood. More opportunities can be also crafted for the people.

Some of the activities were  tribal performance of the cultural communities of Ilocos Sur which was very fascinating. Displaying their talents as well as their indigenous costumes are a must to be witnessed! Partuat ken Patanor Trade Fair showcased the products of the province such as longganisa, empanada, bagnet, garlic,  tinubong and many other mouthwatering cuisines including handicrafts. Sarsuela, Komedya Ilocana and Choir Competition were also organized. Not only that, a battle of beauty and brains was also witnessed in the Saniata ti Ylocos pageant. It was really a fun-filled celebration of Kannawidan.

This gala is just a proof of the hardships of our fellow Ilocanos. Of how creative we are and of how we treasure the remnants of the past. Agbiyag ti Ilocos! Vaya con Cios!

A Fictional Ride on the Go

“The great miraculous bell of translucent ice is suspended in mid-air. It rings to announce endings and beginnings. And it rings because there is fresh promise and wonder in the skies. Its clear tones resound in the placid silence of the winter day, and echo long into the silver-blue serenity of night. The bell can only be seen at the turning of the year, when the days wind down into nothing, and get ready to march out again. When you hear the bell, you feel a tug at your heart. It is your immortal inspiration.” 

The bell is ringing and I suppose it suggests a beginning. A beginning where I can get a whiff of another twist in my plot. Where I can get my pen again and start writing the affairs of my utopian yet dystopian journey through the years ahead.

I am the lone fictional character of my novel entitled '2014.' I even starred in the realistic drama Reply 2013 where  I considered it as a memoir of myself- to the seventh heaven to wretchedness. I had been there. And I always will.

Majority of us are in the trend for the New Year, New Me stuff. And I'm not a part of that. I mean, who would want to have a 'new me' in a 'new year'? Maybe others do but not me. I don't want to be new. To give emphasis on that, I want to stay being who I am. The silhouette who accompanied me through my sixteen years of existence. I want to stay being the person who have escaped the trials of the past with scars and bruises at the present. I don't want to change. What I want is to be mended and fixed for the betterment of  all and sundry. In a perverse way, I was glad for the stitches, glad it would show, that there would be scars. What was the point in just being hurt on the inside? It should bloody well show. Janet Fitch's words just keep on creeping me out.

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!” 

Well, well, I guess it's time to officially sing farewell for 2013. It's time to open the book, to write in the blank canvas and wish for 1982 strokes of luck this 2014!