GLAM Wiki Conference Philippines 2024/Report/Sheena Aloner
My GLAMourous Vigan Con Experience
Day 1: The day welcomed us by a zoo visit in Baluarte, the encounter with the animals gave me several learnings like biodiversity awareness, conservation efforts and programs made by the management of the zoo to protect endangered species and their habitats, watching animals in controlled environments gave me the opportunity to observe their behaviors and their adaptation, also interacting with them gave a sense of empathy and responsibility towards these animals.
The afternoon session transpired at Old Carcel. It evoked a variety of emotions in me, such as curiosity about the lives of former inmates, sorrow for the conditions they lived in, fear associated in the feeling of confinement, empathy—walking through the prison halls made me imagine their experiences of loneliness and isolation from their loved ones. It made me remember the song “Unchained Melody”, the eerie feeling though I don’t believe in ghosts, the atmosphere alone can feel eerie especially in dimly lit part, my fascination with History glowed again, staring at the abandoned prison cells and the image of the blindfolded lady gave me insights into how criminal justice has evolved.
Mr. Paulo Chan, stood confidently before the audience, the room quiet with anticipation, he introduced himself and discussed the mandate of the Philippine National Museum that includes preservation, exhibition, research, education, and collaboration to promote appreciation and understanding of the Philippines’ rich culture and natural history. As he concluded, the audience understood that museums were not just a building of history, but a dynamic institution shaping how we understand the world and our place in it.
The second speaker was Mr. Danilo Gerona who discussed the early history of Villa Fernandina (Vigan) based on gathered archival resources. He mentioned that the word “Ciudad” means a civilian settlement while “Villa” is intended for military, he gave us key points on how and why there is Spanish settlement in Northern Philippines including Vigan and Nueva Segovia (Cagayan), to his assumption it was because of the goal of the Spaniards to reach China and Japan, seeing Vigan’s location was strategic. As he spoke, it became clear that Vigan wasn’t just a historical landmark--it was a living, breathing reminder of the country’s past, carefully preserved for future generations to cherish.
The third lecture was given by Fr. June Castañeda, his lectures was lightly anchored to Mr. Gerona’s presentation, he even added some more reasons of Spanish migration from Vigan to Cagayan. His presentation focused on his study of the Ibanag language and emphasized the importance of translation, study, and preservation of the local language that is at risk of fading away. I could feel the weight of his decade-long commitment to safeguarding the Ibanag language for future generations.
I could listen to all the speakers without getting bored and finding myself thirsty for the knowledge I’ve longed to hear. I find myself fascinated by the topics they shared. It was astonishing. The three speakers share a common thread: a deep commitment to connect people, they are a reminder that preserving heritage is not just about the past—-it is about shaping the future by understanding where we came from.
Day 2: In a discussion about macro photography, Mr. Casindac focus on capturing extreme close-up images of small objects, often making them appear larger than life. I am fascinated by the details that are not easily visible to the naked eye, like the intricate patterns on an insect’s wing or the hairy leg they have. He even showed his self-improvised tool with lighting to achieve sharpness and clarity at such close distance. It made me realize I must invest in a good camera and develop a new hobby for my twelve-year-old son to keep him away from the screen. Another two speakers followed; their discussion was focused on the indigenous group called Agta in Bicol region of the Philippines. The discussion explores the challenges they face today, including land right issues and the pressure of modernization which threaten their traditional lifestyle, livelihood, and education
Day 3: Visiting Ilocos Norte is a journey through stunning landscapes and rich history. The experience begins with a thrilling, adrenaline-filled extreme adventure in sand dunes. As the truck roars across the vast, rolling dunes, I feel every turn and steep drop of the 4x4 truck, The rugged terrain creates a roller-coaster effect, with the truck climbing steep hills and then plunging down into the sandy valleys, it send waves of sand into the air and a feeling that my soul was left behind from every steep drop, the beach in there invites beachgoers to play with its waves. We also visited the Malacanang of the North, it offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Walking through the grand halls and rooms, it evokes a sense of both history and reflection, prompting deeper thoughts on power, legacy, and the impact of leadership on a nation’s history. My visit leaves one contemplating fine line between grandeur and controversy, as well as the lasting influence of a family that shaped Philippines politics for decades. Paoay’s centuries-old church reflect the region’s natural and cultural heritage. It is breathtakingly beautiful. Tasting local delicacies like empanada, bagnet dipped in sukang Iloko is superb, Vigan’s longganisa, kornik iloko (local popcorn), binubong (steamed glutinous rice in bamboo tubes) and poque-poque adds to the region’s vibrant flavor. The blend of scenic beauty and historical significance makes my visit unforgettable.
I discovered new learnings on how to upload images on Wiki Commons and how to edit on Wiki Source. I would like to share these new learnings to my colleagues in the Department of Education (DepEd), I plan to have a lightning talk in our Learning Action Cell (LAC) Session about what we are doing in PhilWiki Community and as a Wiki Medians.
COMMENTS/SUGGESTION: The Wiki Community provides an invaluable platform for collaborative knowledge-sharing and creative expression. However, to enhance its impact, I suggest focusing on improving user engagement through more interactive and user-friendly features. Overall, the Wiki Community has great potential, a bright future and has a great ability to elevate its contribution to the world.