Gerald

  Ages 5 through 11. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization to a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for this age group. This vaccine involves two shots, given three weeks apart. It contains a lower dose than the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine used for people age 12 and older. Research shows that this vaccine is about 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5 through 11.   Ages 12 through 15. The FDA has given emergency use authorization to a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for this age group. This vaccine involves two shots. The second dose can be given three to eight weeks after the first dose. It contains the same dose as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and older. Research has shown that this vaccine is 100% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 12 through 15.   Ages 16 and older. The...

       This historic day marks the greatness of Filipino veterans and American allies who fought against the      Japanese invasion in World War II. Thousands of lives were lost during this dark chapter in our              history in defending the country’s freedom and sovereignty.   The “Fall of Bataan” serves as a constant symbol of the Filipinos’ bravery and patriotism.   As we face a global health crisis, we are reminded to remain cooperative, brave, and resilient as we, together with our frontline warriors in healthcare, local officials, and international partners, unite to combat the pandemic that has swooped down on humankind.   We owe it to our forefathers who sacrificed their lives for us, to continue fighting for our Motherland and be responsible citizens. More than ever, the Philippines needs solidarity and support from every Filipino.   Long live our veterans, inclu...

  Lent is the 40 days (not including Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Easter. Lent is often described as a time of preparation and an opportunity to go deeper with God. This means that it’s a time for personal reflection that prepares people’s hearts and minds for Good Friday and Easter.        Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. You may have noticed people with a smudged, black cross on their foreheads. Those are ashes from the Ash Wednesday service. The ashes symbolize our grief for the things we’ve done wrong and the resulting division of imperfect people from a perfect God. Maundy Thursday is the day before Good Friday. It commemorates the night before Jesus died, when He shared the Passover meal with His closest friends and followers. Good Friday is the day Christians remember Jesus’ death. The “Good” reflects how Jesus’ death was a sacrifice on our behalf so we can receive God’s forgiveness for our wrongs, or sins. Easter Sund...

  Kannawidan Ylocos festival is the commemoration of the foundation of the province of Ilocos Sur. It is a celebration that lasts from the last week of January and ends on the first week of February.   It is the Ilocanos’ way of giving thanks to the Almighty not only for the bountiful blessings but also for the rich heritage of the province, including the close family ties among the Ilocanos. It is a tradition that during the opening of the festival, there is usually a mass held at the St.   Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. It is followed by a procession of the Patron Saints of the 40 parishes and images of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary around Vigan City. DepEd Officials of the province usually join the mass and the procession. This event showcases the deep-rooted religiosity of the Ilocanos.   The festival pays more attention on Ilocano children. It is because Ilocano culture are not recognized by the younger generations of the province. But instead, ther...