Love: The Authentic Soul of Christmas

Lights blinking, children caroling, stars glowing, and surroundings showered with tender feelings. Indeed, Christmas is fast approaching. As I am pressing the letters of the keyboard, we are already two weeks away from the most beautiful time of the year. But all this time, are we really acquainted and do we really recognize the true quintessence of Christmas?

                As we all know, it is an annual commemoration of the birth of our dear creator, Jesus Christ. It is generally celebrated by Christians around the globe. In accordance to Christmas, people tend to observe gift giving as a sign of gratitude for each individual’s concrete help or love to another person, some also do church services as praise to the main actor of this day, Jesus. Some families and groups also convene for gatherings and parties but the most common of all traditions, people place symbolic decorations around their houses like lights, Christmas trees, lanterns and such.

                If you sum it up, Christmas is really full of fun and bliss. It is a time for us to diminish all our problems and think happy thoughts all the time. Jesus wants us to be exultant and perhaps even on cloud nine during His special day. He wants to see us loving and caring for each other. We should learn to forgive all people who have sinned and forget all the things that should already be forgotten. Let us turn a new leaf as they say in idiomatic expressions. Take Christmas as if it is the best day ever, no problems, and no worries, pure fun and pure affection because these are really the genuine essence of the birth of Jesus, ardor, glee and charity.

                Eric Sevareid once said “Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.” Indeed we should love each other to make Jesus happy. Only our affection would lighten up the bulb of peace and amity. Make Christmas a wonderful time which is very impossible to forget. Merry Christmas to everyone and let the four letter word L-O-V-E rule the planet.

Equality: Where Are You?

“Prejudice, not being founded on reason, cannot be removed by argument”

      -Samuel Johnson

            It cannot be denied that we are now living in a planet where competition has already skyrocketed and reached its peak. Arguments can be found almost everywhere. One hot issue is the blooming of discrimination in our society; Inequity in terms of status, prejudice in gender, and even bigotry in terms of literacy.

            It is really dreadful to breathe in a discrimination- polluted realm for we are not given equal chances for everything. There is a great tendency that the rights everybody is craving for will not be given fairly and so with various opportunities that everyone should be enjoying by now.

            Unjust might be the best adjective to describe what is happening in reality today. This should be one of the chief concerns our prime movers must have acted upon from the very start. As a result, Philippines has been a consistent “back runner” in the race concerning economic progress. Nevertheless, it is not yet too late to bring back the old country we had which is way better than what it is today. Nothing is impossible especially with God’s guidance.

            Analyze carefully. Imagine a world free from injustice and where equality prevails. You will surely foresee a highly progressive nation. It is not unfeasible if we put this to reality. As long as everyone will give a helping hand, mission will surely be accomplished. Equal Rights mean Equal Opportunities. Every individual should be given appropriate rights he or she truly possesses regardless of status, gender and even literacy. They say men are stronger than women, members of royal groups are more powerful, and intelligent people are way beyond than lesser gifted individuals. Scrutinize. In this modern age, this has already been proven and considered as fictitious. We must diminish this thing in our minds.

            If we will continue following this type of faith, nothing will change and nothing will happen. Equal Rights should be observed so that equal opportunities follow. There must be zero deficit between each other. Employ this and progress will soon embrace not only in our economy but also in humanity.

Defying Difference

            Nothing’s new. Same old people, same old doings. Are we really trapped in the same old world with changes merely happening? I mean, it is not even close to the word transformation. Honestly, since the first day I saw the light until this time that I am typing, I haven’t really witnessed change. Maybe in physical aspects but in other facets, I’m really clueless.

            Yes. I want alteration so bad but life is very broad, I don’t really know where to start. Let’s just begin from the least, myself. In terms of physical features, I am already quite satisfied with what God has given me. Let’s just put in mind a line from Lady Gaga’s famous song, born this way. We are all good looking in our own ways because God makes no mistake which is indeed true. When it comes to personality, I just want to decrease the shyness within me and bring out the real me. Maybe I’m just a late bloomer so I really need to come out from my shell. I also want to become more friendly and mingle with others more to gain, well, friends because they will be our greatest weapons in life’s hardest trials and challenges.

            Next, in our community. I want to be frank about it; I want to change our Barangay Captain. She has been sitting as the leader for almost four years but still, same old Tamag.  No difference at all, it became even worse. I am not exaggerating. I am just stating a fact. Before, there were “tanods” patrolling in the evening for peace and order. Before, there were street lights around the place to give us glow. Now? All are gone. Same is true with our Sangguniang Kabataan Members who are not doing anything. They just ran for the position for money I think and not for the service. As a student, I can share the thoughts I’ve learned in school and employ this in our place. For peace and order, I have my military trainings to rely on.

            Lastly, in our country. I am unsure whether to salute PNoy or not. Sometimes, he carries the Philippines and waves our flag in the international realm but sometimes, it’s the other way around. He is catapulting our emblem to embarrassment. Although compared to former presidents, PNoy has achieved more and has implemented more projects; we still fall on developing countries. There is still something missing in us: Camaraderie. We need to indulge a system of amity, brotherhood and oneness, enough said.

            Well, I must not be all words; I should be more on actions. I can only do it if you help me. A lot of differences and changes must be done. Help me employ this, for the sake of our community, our country. Would you?

Red Alert: Missing In Action

Sweat falling. Perspiring all day. Thirst visits. Dehydration once again.  It’s really getting hot in here.

            This will surely be the scenarios that you will be meeting nowadays. No doubt, there has been a recorded increase in the temperature of our planet. What is more alarming is that, it is continuing to elevate and still, not enough actions have been employed. It seems Mother Earth has really reached her boiling point.

            With the fusion of naturally occurring catastrophes and human activities, planet earth has been continuously experiencing this so called climate change? First and foremost, what is this climate change all about? It is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions or the distribution of events around that average. Climate change may be limited to a specific region or may occur across the whole Earth.

            As far as I know, climate change can be classified into two: El Nino and La Nina. El Nino is the sudden rise in temperature of our environment. It causes drought and some sickness to human beings. La Nina is just the opposite; it is the lowering of temperature which causes blizzard and shivering to us. Just like El Nino, it can be a huge damage to humanity since it hardens our jobs, literally.

            So how do we avoid these earthly punishments? Of course, we need to implement mainly the 3R. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Of course, also plant trees. Trees provide great assistance to us. They give us fresh air and helps in reducing the tendency of suffering from disastrous flash floods. Segregate your wastes, the biodegradable from the non biodegradable and plastics. In addition, avoid burning plastics; it contributes a lot on the extension of the hole on our ozone layer which has been recently reported to be as large as the Australia.

            Above all, let us practice the system of amity. Tasks can be accomplished quicker if people work together. Let us love our nature. It is a gift by Almighty God so we must really nurture and take care of it for him. We are the stewardesses of this planet earth.

            Let us now move. I am sure, God does not like what he sees right now. 

Inner Core

                   It has been five month since I first set foot in the world of being a senior. Months, Weeks, Days and hours have passed which means I am getting closer to the finale of High School Life- Graduation.

                This quarter, I have proven myself that blogging is not that hard though. You just have to have a virtuous teacher who is willing to share her expertise in such field just to educate students. We are very gratified that Ma’am Evelyn has done a good job in edifying us. Since this quarter has covered up the Teacher’s Day Celebration, although it is already quite late, Ma’am, Happy Teacher’s Day! Thank you po.

                And also, in this quarter, I have developed a sense of good attribution in me. I have learned how to ask for forgiveness and how to admit mistakes. Now I already know why erasers in pencils are only small. That is to remind us that we can correct past errors we have committed but chances are only limited so we must watch our every move. Every step, every move counts.

                I have ascertained the true value of decision making. 

Promoting Digital Literacy through English Proficiency

Look around. Portable Touch Screen Computers, Cameras with puffed up resolutions, Wireless Headphones. Modernization has indeed gripped our planet and we, people, are the lucky beneficiaries. These were all made possible through the combined intensity of our scientists’ towering intelligence and remarkable ideas. We should be very gratified for these innovations have helped us in living more satisfying lives.

Since these advancements are very nifty to us, everyone should be able to know how to manipulate these devices in order to distinguish other benefits and attributes that these can provide us. Of all upgrades, the invention of the computer has obviously the greatest impact and influence to mankind for it fulfills the communication, profession- related works and pleasure of every human and with modernism continuing to invade us, more features are still being developed and being added to it.

We cannot deny the fact that users of computers are mostly the youngsters especially students. We, students, should further endorse the splendor not only of computers but other digitally- developed tools. We should utilize our English adeptness  for faster accomplishment of our desired output which is to educate everyone in the appropriate usage of such gadgets and the values of these.

Social Networking Sites are currently the trends of communication today and English is the main language it can recognize and people are using to converse for it is the universal language. That is why we should also employ the knowledge we have grasped from English to uphold Digital Literacy. With our comprehension about technology, we can commune with our friends and other people easier and in a more convenient way. We can also research on our projects and assignments with the use of the internet. Our delight can also be guaranteed with built min games and other amusements. And one of the greatest things you can do on the computer is to blog. Blog means you can let out all your heavy dose of ideas, thoughts and opinions about anything, for free. Everyone in the planet can read all of these \, no wonder some commentators and critics use English. They can convey all of their schemes with this and they can even gain comments and suggestions from human beings around the globe.

We should be very gratified to Science and Technology and we should further nourish our minds with Digital Literacy and let us employ our dexterity in English to achieve even greater feats. Indeed, this techie world has brought humanity to new dimensions of lives, greater heights of excellence and to a fresh outlook towards a better life.

Chemergy: Chemistry and Science Clubbing in Synergy

     Teamwork makes the Dream Work. This has already been a battle cry of almost all groups or organizations today. Well, it is definitely true because if camaraderie and brotherhood will really prevail in a cluster, it is an assurance that better results will be embracing you.

Indeed, upgrades and innovations have already gripped humanity and these are all through the combined efforts of people who are really willing to make earth, a better place to live. Well, Chemistry is one branch of Science that parades foundations of modernity through different formulas and intensive studies. To  arise with even more enhanced outputs, Chemistry must cohere with Science Club.

We cannot deny the fact that two heads are better than one. What more if a group would work together to accomplish several errands? For sure, achieving their desired missions will be more rapid. Not only that, expect sturdier bonding among the affiliates.

This phenomenon can be appropriately compared to the molecules of matter. As we have learned in our Chemistry Class, the molecules making up a solid are compact, close together. When you apply this to a union, “solid” brotherhood will be the atmosphere that will surely reign but if members are as far as the molecules in gases, nothing will happen. Nothing will be accomplished. This is what Science Clubs must do; apply the basics of Chemistry in governing their system.

Let us all help one another in attaining the success everyone is longing for. Innovations, Transformations and even Overhauls are what we need to create a more superb and exquisite world. I think the fusion of Science Club and the concept of Chemistry is by far the best elucidation to get closer to these ultimate goals of ours. Progress is what we need, Teamwork is the answer indeed.  

ABC's and 123's of Success

"The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called Truth."
- Dan Rather

Teaching is really a noble profession. Teachers are the one responsible in feeding the empty minds of students, enriching it, until such time it will already be filled with knowledge and wisdom. Just think of it, without teachers, there will surely be no doctors, nurses, engineers, architects and lawyers in the planet. You can never tell when a teacher's influence would be put to a halt.

At Ilocos Sur National High School, excellence is always being displayed. Our school has been a prominent recipient of various awards and recognitions ever since it was established, all thanks to the teachers. They are the principal reasons for the achievement of these feats.

Teachers are our second parents, this is what we always hear and if you really ponder upon this, it is indeed true. They do not only teach abc and 123, they also teach the Science of Discipline and the Mathematics of Love, but the most precious of all, they teach us how to spell Success. With the possession of these exceptional traits and challenging responsibilities, they can already be a rightful claimant of the title and be called Heroes and Heroines,

Imagine how hard it is to be a teacher.They need to wake up early to go to school and spend almost 10 hours teaching us, students. Sometimes, they even work overtime when giving pieces of advice to their students who have problems in order to settle it and remember, they are not given extra credits for doing this. See how delicate teachers are? Think again, without them, would we ever know the square root of 25, scientific name of a dog, the geometry of molecules and even the economic status of our country? So we must be very thankful to them.

My fellow students, let us learn how to respect them, care for them, thank them and most of all, love them. Now ask yourselves, "Without teachers, where would I be now?" They are the reasons behind every student's and every man's bigger, better and brighter future. They are the Modern Day Heroes of this World. So don't be shy and proudly say "Teacher, Thank You and I Love You!"

Super Ruby: One In A Million

     Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Cat Woman. What do they have in common? Of course, they are all fictional characters. They are products of of the wild imaginations of several artists and writers. So what does one need to be rightfully called a Hero? Should he have super strength? Should he have lightning speed? Must he know how to fly? I guess not.

      With the modernization of the world right now,another batch of heroes are being added but as for me, the hero or heroine I should say, that I really admire and idolize does not have any special powers. Who is she? Of course, my one and only mother, Ruby.

      She may not run as fast as Flash, but it is an assurance that she can finish all the tasks obliged to her in a short period of time. She may not be as muscular and as strong as Incredible Hulk, but she can also do and withstand manly jobs. Lastly, she might not be able to fly just like Wonder Woman, but she can give her time and take us to unforgettable places and collect irreplaceable memories together.

      It is not enough to have special powers to be called heroes or heroines.You must have the brain, the heart, the soul, the love, the dedication and the willingness to serve others. My mother is really exceptional for she is really doing all what she can just to satisfy our needs. Even if she is already quite old and even if she is already suffering pain,tiredness or in the verge of falling down, she's still on the go. It is rare to see a parent as lovable and as delicate as her. She is like a "many-in-one" mom. A mother, a sister, a friend, a classmate, a teacher, a playmate, a disciplinarian, a chef, a helper and..and..Everything. She can do anything, everything. She's a Super Mom. For sure, if you'll be meeting her, you will really envy me.

     She rises up very early in the morning just to cook our food, she also sleeps late to make sure we are secured and safe. She also helps me in my projects all the time. Wow! Where and when will you ever find a woman like her? She is way beyond other superheroes' abilities and capacities.

     To you My Mom, Thank You for everything and sorry for all the bad things I've done to you at the span of my existence. I am very thankful that you are my mom. I don't know what will I be right now if there was no you. You are really a wonderful example to all. Mom, I love You and I really salute you. :)

In the Beginning... (Reflection)

            When I first heard and thought about our subject TLE ICT IV, I immediately told myself, “Will I be able to go with the flow here?”

            Why? Because I heard from rumors or should I say facts from past students and from my classmates, it will focus on blogging and blogging. I don’t have the eagerness when it comes to matters like this because in the first place, I only have little idea about this. Although we were already refreshed with concepts of blogging when we were still in junior year using the WordPress, I still haven’t developed my desire for it, my love for it.

             But as school days passed, after learning about its history, definition, types, advantages and benefits blogging can provide, a sudden lightning nibbled in my mind. I think I’m starting to like it.

       

So far, there are still no challenges that I have encountered with our subject TLE ICT because we are still in the basics and as far as I know, Mrs. Vera Cruz, our teacher, s doing a great job in feeding our young minds and giving us wholesome ideas to create better outlook not only in blogging but also towards life.

Still, I do believe that as we move on to the next chapters of our senior life, we will surely encounter difficulties but as long as we have our teachers and we will be doing all what we could to help ourselves, everything will be just all right.

                Moving on, I will even strive harder in our TLE ICT subject but not to acquire higher grades, instead, in order to enrich my skills and develop my love for blogging because I really know that you would be so advantageous if you will become a very good blogger. I do hope that after this school year, before I graduate, I will already be a certified blogger and by certified, I mean a regular blogger and I can already formally say that I have gone with the flow.

First Things First!

    
Last July 25,2011, RP President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City.
     A SONA for me, is a speech being delivered by the President every last Monday of July in each year. Here, the President usually points out the improvements of the country within a year, the wishes he granted, his projects and accomplishments and also the President persuades his countrymen to help him achieve progress for our nation. For me, the SONA is also a bridge or a medium he uses to preach other politicians especially the corrupt who are not really doing their assigned tasks.
     During PNOY's SONA, he focused on the "wang-wang" he proposed which tells that only authorized people are allowed to use the car's siren when in the road. He then related this "wang-wang" to other concerns of our country. He boasted that during his term, our country has already experienced several upgrades compared to GMA's term wherein downgrades were observed. He also pointed out the anomalies occuring in PAGCOR wherein it has spent nearly a billion just for coffee. Imagine? What is in that coffee that makes it very expensive? It's just that politicians and departments are doing "magic tricks" with their given fund. Another is the lot allocation for the families of police officers because PNOY noticed that the salaries of policemen are too small for their everyday living especially in house rentals. So as you have watched, PNOY boasted all of his feats for the country during his first year as the Head of the Nation.
     What I am only disappointed about is he did not tackle much about the real score of Education and Health in our country knowing that these two are the greatest concerns in our nation today. We have a lot of problems and troubles regarding these two sectors. I was hoping for explanations and solutions.
     Honestly, I can say that PNOY was very boastful in his SONA not because I don't like him ever since but he presented all of his accomplishmentsalthough some are not that really true. Proof? Some people are still launching rallies against him because according to them, he has not yeat fulfilled all of his sweet promises.
     Let us just hope that he will make a move regarding these concerns for us to achieve the progress and growth we are craving and longing for ever since. I do believe that there are still  rooms for improvements but for now, all I can say is....  WAKE UP PNOY!

ISULONG ANG BREASTFEEDING, TAMA, SAPAT AT EKSKUSIBO!

     “The children are the hopes of our nation”, a quote that we have learned since we were in elementary. No doubt, everybody already have heard this but until now, the reality that the possibility that this quote will be sustained in the future is still very low. It seems that some mothers out there are taking their kids for granted especially in health related aspects. How can they the hopes of our nation if in the first place, they are suffering from malnutrition? As early as their children are still babies, mothers should already give proper attention to the proper nutrition of the kids and one way is the method of  breastfeeding.
     Breastfeeding is the method by which babies suck the nipples of their mother’s breasts which contain very healthy milk. The breastmilk contains several nutritious vitamins and nutrients like the colostrums which is a fluid secreted by the mammary glands during the first few days of lactation. A lot of doctors have already recommended the consumption of breastmilk for babies instead of letting them drink commercial milk. Yes, these products also contain nutritious benefits that are good  for the children but the safety is not an assurance. A couple of years ago, there has been reports that some milks contain the substance melamine which is very dangerous and fatal. I am not saying that we must avoid buying commercial milks but it has been scientifically proven that breastfeeding is better.

     If you want your children to be healthy and good people someday, why not try breastfeeding. You will not lose anything, in fact, you will gain something and that is the good health and safety of your children. So let us walk hand in hand in promoting breastfeeding to spread its powers and benefits. Say YES to Breastfeeding, Proper, Enough and Exclusive!

Crime Policies: Overhaul Please?

Dear Mr. President,

Good day sir!
I know that you are so busy in your work and activities right now. I know that you are already so tired in helping your countrymen but I do hope you will find time to read my simple letter to you which contains some of my favors and wishes that I do believe you can help us with.

Dead people here, raped women there. It is obvious that the crime here in our country is already climbing year by year. I guess most Filipinos really are hardheaded. If they don't want it the easy way, then I guess, the police officers of our country must do it the hard way. I suggest, Mr. President, that you bring back the death penalty. I know it can be a sin to God but if it is the only way to stop people from committing crimes, then I think you must do it. I am very sure that people will soon be scared in committing crimes because they might lose their lives. Low crime rates will surely be observed someday. Just like in China, it is very safe there for they are implementing the death penalty.

In fact, Philippines is already one of the most dangerous countries in the world. As a Filipino, I just want to erase the bad impressions of other people to our country. If you will grant these petitions of mine, maybe our tourism will also start to boom. I hope I can help in saving our country someday.

Mr. President, thank you for rendering your time in reading my letter. I do hope that you will take these words into actions and I really hope that you will do whatever is good for us, your countrymen. Your help will be a great help Mr. President.

                                                                                         Respectfully yours,
                                                                                         Andreev Martineau Bajet