Raphael

  Celebrating Vigan’s fiesta amidst the CoVid-19 pandemic shows just how important culture is to us. Understandably because of the ongoing pandemic the festival is not as festive as the previous years. It is commendable that we were still able to celebrate this year.                   Culture and tradition are what defines our people, it is what makes us different from other races. These two things are very integral for the next generations, it is what they will remember us by. Traditional celebrations are some of the core angles of any culture. Whether it may be a wedding or a national recognition, our celebrations are woven firmly into our general social identity. When we move abroad, a part of the excitement of living in a new culture is exploring and joining within the celebration of the local holidays and traditions of our adopted country. A few of these encounters will give memories that will...

  When the clock hit midnight on Jan. 1, 2020, a new decade began. As New Yorkers prepared for the famed ball to drop-in Times Square and folks across the U.S. were going about their day Tuesday, other cities worldwide were already ringing in the New Year. In Australia, revelers celebrated the moment with fireworks by the Sydney Opera House and above Melbourne’s skyline. Many in Seoul saw paper lanterns. Singapore’s luxurious Marina Bay celebrated with fireworks. In Hong Kong, pro-democracy protests continued.   January 1,2021 is a special day for the people as this day is the beginning of the new year. You would expect that this year would have the same amount of celebration as 2020’s new year but this time it is different. Because of the ongoing pandemic, most of the world had a silent new year. As the world said goodbye to 2020, communities held countdowns and celebrations but saw fewer jubilant crowds in traditional gathering spots. I hope that the coronavirus pandemic...