REFLECTION... :)

    Indeed, time passes so quickly that it was like yesterday when I first entered Ilocos Sur National High School. We all look then very young, fragile and innocent but now, we have grown older and equipped with knowledge, skills and values needed for the higher level of life’s struggles.

    To our dear teachers, it is an opportune time to thank and show appreciations for those four years of sacrifices and sharing your knowledge to us. We owe you one. Oh, not just one but many. We also thank you for helping us develop our abilities and skills. As such, you tried your best to provide appropriate knowledge and experiences to make our high school life enjoyable and memorable. You taught us the values that will help us navigate a world full of unanswered questions, wonders and surprises. And to that, we sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to you dear teachers who in one way or another had given wholehearted support for our near success. We shall never forget the love, generosity and willingness that you poured in our studies. Those shall be cherished forever! J

    To all of my best friends and friends who also had given their support and love throughout the year, thank you very much! I will surely never forget the craziest and happiest things we’ve done. And I know you will, too.

    One last thing, high school life will forever stay in my memories! <3 J

MY DREAM, MY FUTURE...

Everybody is waiting and dreaming for a bright future. Of course, who wouldn’t want that? We all long for happy endings; happy endings in the near future.

Throughout our lives, we often dream for everything. If a person has a dream or a goal, he will surely be a better person with much better life. I have dreams for the future just like everyone else. And that is to become a TEACHER. I also want to share knowledge to students like me and help them develop their skills and abilities. And I will do everything to reach those aspirations and dreams that I have and of course with the help of our Lord.

“Laugh often, dream big, reach for the stars!” That’s exactly what I do and I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon.

CHANGE: It Starts With Me

Change is like a tornado: it comes without warning and can turn your house upside down or let it down safely. Either way, nothing will ever be the same. A lot of people believe that tornado is a synonym for change. Gandhi once said “be the change you want to see in the world”. To me this means you have to take responsibility for what you want to accomplish.

Taking responsibility for your actions is important in becoming a change in the world. In order to make a change, you have to want to do it. If one of your friends dared you to go help a grandma cross the street, you need to want to do it, not do it because your friend dared you. Be responsible if you decided to make a change in the world. Responsibility comes from within. So take responsibility seriously. Another good example of being the change in the world is picking up trash in parks, on the road, on sidewalk and even in sporting event places. To be responsible means to be a source or cause. 

KANNAWIDAN FESTIVAL!

Kannawidan is a festivity which the City of Vigan celebrates every year. In this festival, the Ilocano people showcase cultural shows, native products and the talents of the Ilocanos. 
Kannawidan Ylocos Festival became an annual festival that aims to create awareness on the preservation of the province' rich cultural heritage, practices and traditions, and a showcase of the different agriculture and industry products of the province. There is a need to preserve our rich heritage and unique culture. With this in mind, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur has conceived a festival that highlights these culture and traditions and attract local and foreign tourists as well. Dubbed the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, it is also a commemoration of the anniversary of Ilocos Sur as a province.
This festival is very significant to every resident in the province as they are celebrating the foundation of Ilocos Sur as a province by virtue of the Royal Decree signed on February 2, 1818.
Ilocos Sur especially Vigan is branded as the Heart of Ilocandia by the Philippine Historical Committee. It’s a province very rich in culture and heritage. Kannawidan means traditions and this province got to showcase all what she has. On January 31 to February 6, 2011 several activities were lined up for the celebration.

We must be proud to be a Bigueno!

NEW YEAR, NEW ME

New Year is a special day for all of us. Markets and shops are crowded with people. Malls are busy with many people buying tasty things and presents for their love ones. We decorate our house with decorations. We send post cards to friends and give presents to close people. And all families go out in the evening and take photos for remembrance and documents. There you can hear sounds of salutes and crackers. Some crackers are so dangerous. And to use propellant explosion in the streets is cancelled because it scare people and it’s not safe.

New Year is also a time when many people around the world make promises. However, many of the promises made by people are rarely completed. As the year entered, I made a lot of resolutions. Having a high grades, doing all the requirements and so on. This would be my last year in our school. And so I have to cherish all the moments with my best friends, friends, classmates, teachers and all of the people in the school, if possible. And so I have to change for the better. New Year, New Me! :)

REFLECTION....

Third Grading Period.

Oh well, this grading period is the best among others. But I really have to work harder to be able to have a higher grade. :D I wish I could have an improvement for the last grading. I enjoyed our ICT classes and all the activities especially in doing our project. I really had a great time with my groupmates in processing our project. And how I wish we could have more memories to treasure.

Last grading? Good vibes again, puhlease! J

Make A MOVE..

Look around you. What is happening? We all know that climate change is terribly ruining Mother Earth which needs a solution. But wait! Isn’t it too late to act? Isn’t it too late to make a move?

            Other people are concerned on what is happening in the world especially here in the Philippines. Lately, a lot of natural disasters came in our country. We all know the tragedy brought by Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban. A lot of innocent lives were stolen and yet, there were thousands of victims. Do we still remember the flood brought by the storm surge in a certain part in Visayas?

            It’s not yet too late to act. It’s not yet too late to make a move! We should start giving our share to our Mother Earth as a part of our responsibility to the nature. Doing something for Mother Earth, even the simplest one, can contribute in preserving our nature. Let’s make a move now!

Equal RIGHTS, Equal OPPORTUNITIES!

Everyone have their own rights. Every person has the right to live, to love, to enjoy every moment, to be happy and of course, to be loved in return. Wherever we may go, people should be treated equally. There’s this so-called DISCRIMINATION which people are treated worse than the way people are usually treated. Equal rights should be applied to every individual, regardless of the physical, financial, social, mental and economic status.

 In our country, rights aren’t equal. Some rich people would underestimate the poor. Some people would mistreat them. Others would discriminate them because of their disability, gender-identity, religion, nationality and so on.

If there will be equal rights, there will also be equal opportunities. And with this, we can easily achieve our aspirations and goals in life.

Christmas in Every Heart

Christmas is probably the most  Filipinos’ favorite season. As early as September, one can already feel it slowly making its entrance and infecting everyone with its unmistakable air. Lights and decors are put up, Christmas songs start infiltrating the airwaves and everyone looks forward to spending the holidays with their loved ones. But Christmas, especially for us Filipinos, is more than just festivities. It is a deeply-rooted celebration of tradition and faith.

      It is no wonder that Christmas is such a significant occasion for Filipinos who are religious and family-oriented. In the world, no other country probably celebrates it as memorably as we do. We may not have real trees for Christmas trees, no snow for snowball fights or for building snowmen, but the life and meaning we Filipinos integrate with our celebration makes our Christmas one that shouldn't be missed.

      In the Philippines, one could always tell that Christmas is fast approaching. For one, there are the carolers—people young and old going house to house singing carols for favors or donations. For children, it has become an opportunity to earn few extra coins to spend on candy or drop into their piggy banks. They would form little groups, knock on neighbor’s houses and, with tambourines made from tansan, sing “We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…!” Sometimes they would be sent away empty-handed, but when do receive anything, they show their gratitude by throwing in an extra song, “Thank You, thank you ang babait ninyo, thank you..!”

      It is the family that matters most too, on Christmas day. It’s not just about the presents, or the food, or the decorations. It is about spending time with the family, making up for lost time. It is also about sharing what we have, no matter how little or seemingly insignificant, with others.

      Christmas is not just about fun, it is about appreciating and finding joy in the little things. It’s not just about having a well-decorated house and an abundance of food, it is about being with the ones you love and sharing what you have with others. It is not about what presents you get, it is how much you give. After all, it is true what they always say: it is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.

Going Global Through The ENGLISH LANGUAGE

In this time of crises, many problems, interesting and challenging ones, arise. Today, a problem is not find new things to do but how to do what is already known to be right. If we could find a way to put to greater use that which we already know and have, we will progress and become successful.

Journalism has been a professional haven, giving us knowledge where our creativity, innovations, very effective and understandable language can flourish. It has been a global training ground for many of us and we all believe, it is the unique formula to promote culture and peace of our country.

A rigid training and development of mind, enough resources and the know-how of modern technology will continue to improve students and all of us in this field of endeavour.

As many people would say, the best way to improve proficiency in English is through frequent reading. Reading is vital to the continuous growth of the individual. It is the basic foundation of learning. Reading makes a person grow, coming to know about his environment, learn to live with himself and with others. We should also acquaint ourselves with the latest and updated news through the habit of newspaper reading. We must do a lot of reading good books, magazines, novels, other literary pieces to enrich vocabularies in both oral and written language. We must also practice to speak, express our thoughts, explain things in English and in all aspects.

Developing good English communicates skills opens the door to better job opportunities, discover the joy of speaking the English language by constant practice. Practice your English now. If you could speak well in English, greater opportunities will come on your way!

Because through English language, WE GO GLOBAL!

      

REFLECTION...

      Upon looking at my card, ICT caught my eyes. And yet, it really motivated me to study harder and to improve my grades. And indeed, it was really my fault. So I realized that I really have to work harder and so I did it. In the second grading, I know that I had an improvement and I hope my grades will be higher this time. I enjoyed our classes in ICT and I really learned a lot of things. SECOND GRADING as awesome! It really made me stronger and I was inspired by all those memories together with my classmates, the MAXWELL Batch 2013-2014.

      Third Grading? Good vibes, please!

MY TEACHER, MY HERO

TEACHERS. What comes into your mind when you hear that word? Of course, we all know that teachers work in school. We usually see them wearing their uniform in front of our classroom teaching us our everyday lesson. They take teaching as their pleasant daily routine. They are hard working. If you greet them, they will greet you back with a smile. They stop working at sundown and still wishes that there are more hours a day. They induce their students to work more with sincere desire to lead. With this, they can easily achieve because they set a good example by being a good hard worker themselves. Teachers are always ready to share their wisdom and knowledge to their students and all those who are in need.

Teachers are our second mother. They taught us the basics; how to read, write, draw, count and so on.  When you are need, they always lend a helping hand. When you are sad and feeling down, they never stopped making us happy and laugh. They pretend to be a joker even though they are not. When you need guidance, you can always approach them. When you have a problem, talk to them and they will give you advice that can enlighten your mind.

Teachers are our heroes. They are fountain of knowledge, justice and kindness. And of course, they also need the love from their students. So, we should love our teachers. Why? Because without them, life isn’t complete.

MY MODERN DAY HERO

          When we hear the word HERO, what comes into our minds?  Of course, we all know that heroes are brave, strong, they have powers. They are not just an ordinary person instead they are different. They are amazing, isn’t it?

          All of us have this so called “hero” and we consider them as an inspiration. If we say hero, it is not just Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio or Apolinario Mabini. But, all of us can be a hero. Teachers can be a hero. Doctors can be a hero. You’ll never know that even the person right next to you will save your life and be your hero.

          I am sixteen now, and yet, I still have a lot of favorite heroes. But there’s just one person whom I consider as my modern day hero.

          Early in the morning, she wakes me up and tells me to get up. But before I get up, she reminds me of praying, to thank the Lord for another wonderful day. She always tells me to fix my bed after I have prayed. After fixing my bed, I go to the mirror and take a look at myself and smile, for she told me that whenever I face the mirror, I should wear a smile so that the mirror will smile at me, too. I can smell the fragrance of the breakfast she prepares, so I immediately go to the kitchen. And there I have my seat and ready to eat. But, again, she told me to wait for my siblings and eat at the same time. But I insisted. ”I will be late if I would still be waiting for them,” I said. So, she let me eat first but she again reminded me to pray. And so I prayed. While eating, she tells me to hurry for me not to get late. And so I did. After eating my breakfast and brushed my teeth, I go immediately to the comfort room and take a bath. Whenever I forgot my towel, she’s always the one who is giving me and then, she tells me not forget again because she has a lot of chores to do. She is disturbed, in other words. When I finally put on my uniform, he combs my hair. And I always tell her that I’m not a kid anymore. And she will answer, “I just miss doing this to you.” And now, I am ready to go to school. She gives me my allowance and tells me to keep safe and not to go home late.

          She loves me so much. Yes, and I love her, too. She is always there to help me, to give support and to guide me. She does everything just to make me happy. She is my teacher, love-adviser, joker, sister, friend, supporter, fan, supplier, cook, artist, manager, doctor, alarm clock. She is my everything. Without her, I wouldn’t be able to write this. I wouldn’t be here living in this world. And I am so lucky to have her in my life. I am very thankful to God for He has given me a MOTHER like her.

          Mother, you are my modern day hero! J

SAVING LIVES, IMPROVING LIVES Through Scince and Technology

            Through the years a lot of change, improvements, inventions and discoveries have been made by man. All of those are done to improve life and to save life.

            According to an advertisement in the television, it says, “To become sick is prohibited.” Why? Medicine is very expensive. Doctor’s fee is very high. Hospitalization is hardly affordable to people who don’t have the means. So, what will happen? Naturally, they suffer and die without the benefit of medicine; without the benefit of being treated by a doctor.

But, let’s not worry. Herbal medicines are there right in the backyard to help lessen expenses and to help save hires. Let us be aware that medicines bought from the drugstores have strong components coming from herbs. So, why suffer?

Cellphones! A sign of very advanced technology. You just press the number and you are talking to your loved ones no matter how far they are. Advanced technology is getting more advanced everyday. Cellphones are now used as cameras, radios and everything. What a delight seeing your loved ones’ face as you talk to them. What a relief it could give to the heart; how it eases the feeling of loneliness. Loved ones become so near yet so far. Need an information from a friend? Text your message and in few minutes, you’ll get a response.

These are countless inventions but we must have also the sense of responsibility on how to take care of our environment to save our lives and the lives of the coming generation. We should do our share. Let’s plant more trees to make the air we breathe clean and fresh.

Let us do our part to save the earth and by saving it, we have helped save the lives of other people. Thus, bringing back the earth a paradise of peace.

WIKA NATIN ANG DAANG MATUWID

                “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa sa amoy ng malansang isda.” Katagang binitiwan ni Gat Jose Rizal sa kantang “Ako’y Isang Pinoy”.

                WIKA. Una nating naiisip ang salitang “Filipino” sa tuwing naririnig ang salitang wika. Ngunit, hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman na iilan na lamang sa atin ang gumagamit sa wikang Filipino.

                In our country, we have different languages. We have the Iloko, Cebuano, Pangasinense, Bicolano and many more. With the use of these languages, we are able to communicate and understand each other. And this is really important. Why? Without these languages, how can we understand each other? How can we communicate in each other? How about the feelings that we want to deliver or express? Using our own language is considered as an obligation. It’s not only obligation but it’s also a sign of respect in our society.

                On the other hand, Filipino as our country’s language is being used all over the country. Ilocanos are using it and even Cebuanos, the Muslims, the Bicolanos and almost all the Filipinos inside the country. We use the Filipino language to bridge the gap; for bridging the gap between us, the Filipinos inside and outside the country.

                We, the Filipinos should do our part as a citizen of our country. Use our language in a proper way and in a right manner. Love our language and we should be proud of it. Can you imagine life without our own language? There will be misunderstandings. So let’s all love and use our language. And if you’re doing it, you’re making your country proud.

Gutom at Malnutrisyon: Sama-sama Nating Wakasan

          Health is the best factor that leads us to victory. If you have a good health, you can easily accomplish things with good results. But with bad health, don't expect to have good outcomes because the truth is, it is difficult to accomplish things when you know that you can't. When it comes to business, money is our capital. If you only have small amount of capital, it's not easy to begin or start a business. Applied in our lives, health is our capital.
          Starvation. Malnutrition. Factors that affect our lives specifically our health.
          POVERTY. We all know that this is the state of one who lacks a certain amount of material possessions or money. Yet, we have starvation and malnutrition. And starvation is the most extreme form of malnutrition and can cause permanent organ damage and eventually death. How about malnutrition? It is the condition that results from the lacking of nutrients of our intake and can also cause sickness.
          STARVATION + MALNUTRITION = SICKNESS/DEATH
          How's that? Make a move now! Let's not forget about the food. It's the food that makes us live longer, but in a proper diet. Love our food no matter how expensive or cheap it is. The most important is, we absorb nutrients for our body and our health.

A Letter to President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III

Ilocos Sur National High School

Gomez St., Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

June 27, 2013

President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III

Republic of the Philippines

Malacanang Palace

Manila, Philippines

Sir:

          Greetings!

          In the past administrations, a lot of problems were left hanging without being solved. Yet, you came and gave us, the Filipinos, a new hope. A new hope for a new life.

          For the past two years, in your administration, is there a change? There was no change. Yes. What is the sense of hope when there is no improvement? IMPROVEMENT. CHANGE. Where are you? We've been hoping and fighting for improvement. For change. From the very start, we believed in you. But then again, you didn't give any attention to those problems that our country has encountered. If you have given, just a little. And until now, still, our country has a lot of problems.

          I, as a student, am greatly honored to send you a letter and give my own opinions. And I hope, we hope, that you'll give more attention to the problems that our country is now facing. We also hope that you'll always be willing to help thousands of people, especially the Filipinos inside and outside the country. And most of all, do your best to serve your country and to your countrymen. Prove to them that you can do better and you can do more.

          I hope you'll appreciate this simple letter, Sir.

          Good day to you!

Respectfully  yours,

Marielle Ragasa