changes: it starts with me.

                     One particular saying that has always struck me as unintelligent is, “People don’t change.” I believe that although each individual has deep-rooted personality traits, we are not held captive by them. Believing that we can’t change encourages us to accept our weaknesses. Countless people with substance problems declare they aren’t capable of quitting. But then it is much easier to continue a harmful behavior when accountability is placed on an outside force like genetics or an “addictive personality”.

When we say people can’t change it is analogous to saying people can’t learn. I have read that when you learn something new, that knowledge fundamentally changes you. Each fragment of information adds to your personal database, creating additional resources to draw on when interacting with the outside world. We face the same temptations to take on negative behavior, but we also build a body of experience that tells us the reward isn’t worth the penalty. Comparing ourselves today from ourselves a few years ago, we can observe that we are the same but more.

                    Truth is that individual and organizations can change but choose not to. Reason is change hurts. It makes people insecure, confused and angry. People want things to be the same as they’ve always been. They hate to relinquish an old training or philosophy for a new way of thinking. They want to do things the way they are accustomed to because that makes life easier. Every time we are discontent we do not blame ourselves but blame our work, our colleagues, our location, husband or wife, or the circumstances we’re in. We attempt to change our occupation or the place where we reside. Only when it does not succeed in giving us a more wonderful life do we recognize that something inside us needs to be changed.e a leader, you can’t let your people hang on to the past. Leadership is ultimately about changing people’s behavior.

Kannawidan: The Ylocos Festival

                            The yearly Kannawidan Ylocos Festival of Ilocos Sur showcases the spirit of the Ilocano Child. Watching the children from the mountainous towns of Ilocos Sur perform their ‘tribal rites’ and dances in their tribal costume called “baag”. on bare foot under the midday sun strips me of vanity and pride. And propels me to that place where everything is pure, simple and honest.

                             This festival, celebrated on January 29 to February 5 2012, also highlights Ilocos food, arts, trade, crafts, and product. Witnessing all this makes one realize the beauty and dignity of Ilocos culture and people. We should be proud of our Ilocano culture. Like the beauty of the Bayanihan Dance Company show which proudly featured the Filipino culture in songs and dances, the tribal rituals and dances of the province summarizes what Kannawidan Festival is all about.The festival not only brings us takes one back to the roots; it also enables one to look into the future through art created by children. Their art speaks of their belief in the beauty of the world as gift from the Creator. Their songs and dances outshine any sadness  this present world has thrown at them. Now on its 5th year, the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival had already established its identity as the prime festival of the province.