Seth

Vigan City, located in Ilocos Sur, is one of the most well-preserved heritage cities in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 16th century during the Spanish colonial period, Vigan became an important trading post where Asian, European, and indigenous Filipino cultures met and blended. This unique mix of influences is reflected in the city’s architecture, traditions, and way of life, making it a living example of the Philippines’ colonial past. The city’s urban design and architecture are among its most striking features. Its famous Calle Crisologo is lined with ancestral houses built with thick stone walls, hardwood floors, and capiz-shell windows—an architectural style known as Bahay na Bato. The cobblestone streets, antique lamp posts, and kalesas (horse-drawn carriages) transport visitors back to the Spanish era. These structures have been carefully preserved, allowing people to experience what a 16th- to 18th-century colonial town looked like. Beyond its...

In a world marked by rapid change and uncertainty, this year’s celebration places emphasis on the frontier of what we do not yet know and how science and innovation can convert the unknown into opportunity. The theme suggests that curiosity and exploration are not just academic exercises—but essential for national progress. Schools, communities, and institutions are invited to engage with this mindset: to ask bold questions, conduct experiments, and apply discovery to real-life challenges.  Beyond the classroom, there is a deeper relationship forming between science and society. Rather than science simply producing innovations, it must now engage society in setting priorities: what problems matter most (e.g., climate resilience, public health, sustainable agriculture)? As society voices these needs, science must respond in a way that is inclusive, accessible, and integrated. The theme “harnessing the unknown” underscores that science alone isn’t sufficient—there must be channels f...

 As we honour the 2025 National Teachers’ Month, it’s important to recognise how the theme “My Teacher, My Hero” provides a meaningful lens through which to view the role of educators in our lives. According to the official observance in the Philippines, this celebration runs from September 5 to October 5, and highlights how teachers shape learners’ knowledge, character, and values. When I reflect on this, I am reminded that a teacher does more than transmit information—they inspire hope, create possibility, and support growth even in uncertain times. Expressing gratitude and respect to my teachers means recognising not only the lessons they taught in class, but the countless unheralded efforts behind the scenes: staying up late preparing materials, adapting to difficult working conditions, mentoring students beyond the syllabus, and believing in our potential even when we doubted ourselves. In many cases, teachers are the unseen heroes of our journey—like the “street educators” m...

 Throughout the second quarter, I have gained a deeper understanding of how learning extends beyond academics—it is also about growth in discipline, collaboration, and self-awareness. I discovered new insights in my subjects, especially in science and technology, where I learned how innovation connects to real-life applications. Participating in school activities and discussions helped me enhance my communication skills, while research tasks taught me the importance of critical thinking and time management. These discoveries made me realize that learning is a continuous process that requires curiosity and commitment. Despite these achievements, I also faced several challenges. Balancing schoolwork, personal responsibilities, and extracurricular tasks was not always easy. There were moments when deadlines piled up, and I felt overwhelmed by the pressure to perform well. I also encountered difficulties in understanding some lessons, especially those that required analytical thinking...

Title: Top Technology Trends to Watch in 2025 Author: Bart Landen Published: Jan 6, 2025 In the rapidly evolving tech ecosystem, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to serve as the primary engine of transformation. Large-language models and generative AI platforms are no longer niche experiments they’re embedded in workflows, content creation, coding, and customer-service automation. Industries are customising these AI tools to their specific data and domain needs, making them more efficient and business-relevant.  Meanwhile, the infrastructure around technology is undergoing its own shift. Edge computing processing data closer to the device rather than in distant clouds is gaining steam. As more devices, sensors and IoT endpoints proliferate, having compute and intelligence at the edge reduces latency, saves bandwidth, and supports real-time decision-making.  Another major area is the convergence of biotech with digital tech. AI-driven tools are helping in diagnostics, p...

climate change Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges of our time, and the Philippines is among the countries most vulnerable to its impacts. As an archipelago located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt, the country faces increasing risks from natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, droughts, rising sea levels, and extreme heat. These hazards threaten not only the environment but also the economy, food security, health, and livelihoods of millions of Filipinos. Climate Change in the Philippines: A Growing Threat In recent decades, the Philippines has experienced: Stronger and more frequent typhoons , such as Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, which claimed over 6,000 lives and displaced millions. Rising sea levels , threatening low-lying areas and coastal communities. Intensified droughts and floods , disrupting agriculture and water supply. Coral bleaching and biodiversity loss , affecting fisheries and tourism. These changes di...